Network Element Configuration System for SDN Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software-defined networking faces challenges in scalability as the number of network elements managed by a single controller increases, making it difficult to efficiently configure and manage them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where network elements construct and transmit configuration data to each other, allowing them to operate as a single manageable entity from the controller's perspective, reducing the number of entities that need to be managed by the controller, and including a network element and controller with data transfer interfaces and processing systems to maintain and transmit configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single controller manages all network elements individually, then comprehensive control is achieved, but scalability deteriorates as the number of network elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network elements into hierarchical groups where each network element can manage a subset of other network elements. This creates a distributed management structure that reduces the burden on any single controller while maintaining comprehensive control through the hierarchical arrangement of management segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary network elements that act as local controllers for subsets of network elements. These intermediaries receive configuration data from the central controller and distribute it to their respective subsets, reducing the direct management burden on the central controller while maintaining centralized policy enforcement.
2Measurement precision
If configuration data is transmitted from controller to each network element individually, then precise control is achieved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to redundant data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges configuration data transmission by allowing network elements to receive configuration data from multiple sources including their parent controller and their child network elements. This merging reduces redundant transmissions by enabling configuration data to be propagated through the hierarchical structure rather than requiring separate transmissions from the central controller to each network element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having network elements pre-process and cache configuration data received from controllers, then automatically distribute this cached data to their subordinate network elements. This preliminary processing reduces the need for repeated full configuration transmissions from the central controller, improving transmission efficiency while maintaining configuration precision.
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
A method for configuring network elements of a software-defined network comprises receiving (401) configuration data at one of the network elements, constructing (402) a configuration system of the network element on the basis of the configuration data, addressing (403) by the network element the configuration data or an appropriate portion of it to at least one other of the network elements, and transmitting (404) in accordance with the configuration system at least the appropriate portion of the configuration data to the other network element. The other network element, in turn, constructs its configuration system on the basis of the configuration data received by it and possibly transmits at least a portion of the configuration data to still one or more other network elements. Thus, the network elements represent a single entity from the viewpoint of a controller of the software-defined network. Hence, the scalability of the software-defined network is improved. The figure proposed to be presented with the abstract: Figure 4.