SDN Network Entity for High-Speed Packet Stream Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for generating high-speed traffic in networks, such as those operating at 100 Gbit/s, are often hardware-based, expensive, and inflexible, making it difficult to evaluate network equipment performance without packet loss or to verify Quality of Service mechanisms under load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined network entity comprising a packet stream generator and a software network controller that configures an SDN-capable network element to generate and loop back a high bit rate packet stream, allowing for evaluation of network elements without the need for high-speed hardware generators, by iteratively passing packets between network elements until a predetermined number of loops is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hardware-based traffic generators are used to generate high-speed packet streams at 100 Gbit/s, then the bit rate and packet transmission speed are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based traffic generation mechanisms with a software-defined approach. An SDN controller configures network elements to generate and loop packet streams, substituting physical hardware complexity with software-controlled logical operations. This allows high-speed packet generation (100 Gbit/s) to be achieved through software configuration rather than specialized hardware devices.
2Speed
If hardware-based traffic generators are used to generate high-speed packet streams, then the bit rate is improved, but the flexibility and ease of deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network elements to serve themselves by generating and looping packet streams through SDN-controlled configuration. The network elements configure themselves to iterate packet streams between them, eliminating the need for external hardware traffic generators. This self-service mechanism provides both high bit rate capability and operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software-based packet generation is used, then the flexibility and ease of deployment are improved, but the packet transmission speed and bit rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet stream generation and processing into multiple network elements that work in parallel. By configuring multiple elements to generate and loop packets simultaneously, the system achieves high aggregate bit rates (100 Gbit/s) while maintaining software-based flexibility. The segmentation allows software control to scale to high-speed performance.
4Measurement precision
If packet streams are looped multiple times between network elements, then the evaluation accuracy of network element performance is improved, but the time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous packet stream looping between network elements, where packets circulate multiple times without interruption. This continuous action allows simultaneous measurement of packet loss, latency, and throughput across multiple loops, achieving high evaluation accuracy without sequential testing delays. The useful action of packet transmission continues uninterrupted while gathering performance data.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A network entity (1) for providing an aggregated bit rate packet stream in a network element under supervision (11) in a software-defined network (10), the network entity (1) being destined to be connected to a first network element (101), the network entity (1) comprising: a packet stream generator (3) configured to - generate a stream of packets having a generating bit rate, - send the stream of packets to the first network element (101), a software network controller (2) configured to, iteratively, - control the first network element (101) to pass the stream of packets to the second network element (102), the second network element (102) being configured to loop back the stream of packets to the first network element (101), until a packet of the stream of packets has been looped a determined number N of times from the first network element (101) to the second network element (102).