SDN Network Element Switching Between Software-Defined and Fixed Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid network elements in software-defined networks face challenges in seamlessly switching between programmable and fixed-functionality data paths, as traditional methods require loading the network processing unit and hardware, and switching from fixed-functionality to programmable data paths is typically not supported.
Innovation Solution
A network element with a processing system that constructs and configures both software-defined and fixed-functionality data paths, converts metadata for seamless switching, and determines necessary actions based on recently accessed look-up tables, allowing operation continuation at desired points of the fixed-functionality data path, reducing hardware loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switching from programmable data path to fixed-functionality data path is implemented by always switching to the beginning of the fixed-functionality data path, then the network element can maintain both data paths, but the network processing unit and hardware are constantly loaded, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the fixed-functionality data path with multiple entry points (stoppoints) that correspond to different processing stages. Instead of always switching to the beginning, the system prepares these intermediate entry points in advance so that when switching occurs, data can be injected at the appropriate stage without requiring full reprocessing, thereby reducing hardware loading while maintaining switching flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching from fixed-functionality data path to programmable data path is implemented, then flexibility is improved, but this capability is typically not supported in traditional hybrid network elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified switching mechanism that handles both directions (programmable-to-fixed and fixed-to-programmable) through the same infrastructure. The programmable data path acts as a universal controller that can initiate switching to either the fixed-functionality data path at its stoppoints or back to the programmable path, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms for each direction and reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If metadata conversion is performed when switching between data paths, then seamless switching is enabled, but additional processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing metadata conversion rules and formats at the stoppoints of the fixed-functionality data path. When switching occurs, the system retrieves the appropriate pre-configured conversion parameters from these stoppoints, avoiding the need to perform complex metadata translation from scratch and thereby enabling seamless switching with minimal processing time overhead
Data Source
AI summary
A network element of a software-defined network comprises a data transfer interface (210) for receiving and transmitting data and a processing system (215) for constructing a software-defined data path and a fixed-functionality data path such as for example an IP/MPLS or L2 switching path. The software-defined data path comprises look-up tables for selecting software-defined actions and the fixed-functionality data path defines fixed-functionality actions. The processing system is adapted to convert metadata associated with data managed by the software-defined data path to a data format suitable for the fixed-functionality data path when one or more of the fixed-functionality actions are needed in conjunction with forwarding the data. One of the fixed-functionality actions is selected at least partly on the basis of which one of the look-up tables was most recently accessed, and the determined fixed-functionality action is carried out so as to initiate the one or more needed fixed-functionality actions.