SDN Multicast Routing Tree Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicast technologies in software-defined networks (SDNs) require a large number of dedicated devices, result in high networking costs, and are inconvenient for network expansion, especially in multipoint video conferencing systems.
Innovation Solution
A multicast method and system that involves creating and managing a multicast group, planning a multicast routing tree, and converting this planning into flow entry modification instructions executable by an SDN controller, allowing the SDN controller to instruct SDN switches to execute multicast tasks, thereby reducing the need for dedicated devices and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional MCU networking is used for multipoint video conferencing, then audio and video transmission can be achieved, but a large quantity of dedicated devices are required, networking costs are relatively high, and network expansion is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical MCU device with a software-based multicast routing tree management service module that runs on general-purpose servers or SDN controllers. This software module dynamically creates and manages multicast routing trees, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware MCUs while maintaining reliable audio and video transmission through standardized multicast protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables general-purpose servers or SDN controllers to perform multicast routing functions that were previously exclusive to dedicated MCU devices. By implementing the multicast routing tree management service module on existing infrastructure, the system achieves multi-functionality where single devices can serve multiple purposes, reducing the total number of dedicated devices required.
2Reliability
If traditional MCU networking is used for multipoint video conferencing, then audio and video transmission can be achieved, but networking costs are relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent dedicated MCU hardware with software modules that can be deployed on inexpensive, general-purpose servers or existing SDN controllers. This approach uses cheaper, more flexible resources to achieve the same functionality, significantly reducing networking costs while maintaining transmission reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional MCU networking is used for multipoint video conferencing, then audio and video transmission can be achieved, but network expansion is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic multicast routing tree management where the routing tree can be automatically created, modified, and expanded based on real-time network conditions and participant requirements. The service module dynamically adjusts the routing tree structure as participants join or leave the conference, enabling convenient network expansion without manual reconfiguration of dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the multicast routing tree management service module continuously monitors network status, participant presence, and transmission quality. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the routing tree configuration to optimize performance and facilitate easy network expansion while maintaining reliable audio and video transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a multicast method, apparatus, and system for a software-defined network, where the method includes: creating, by a multicast sending device, a multicast group; managing, by the multicast sending device, a member of the multicast group; and completing, by a multicast routing tree management service module disposed on the multicast sending device or on a software-defined network SDN controller, planning of a multicast routing tree, and converting the planning of the multicast routing tree into a flow entry modification instruction that can be executed by the SDN controller, so that the SDN controller executes the flow entry modification instruction and instructs an SDN switch by using a southbound application programming interface API to execute, according to a modified flow entry, a multicast task. According to embodiments of the present invention, multicast is completed by means of mutual cooperation between the multicast sending device and the SDN network, which greatly reduces complexity of multicast configuration, and can also reduce network construction costs.