SDN Packet Combination for M2M Forwarding Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of network forwarding is reduced due to the large quantity of small data packets transmitted in machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, which is a common issue in SDN networks.
Innovation Solution
A network controller and software-defined network configuration method that combines multiple small data packets into a single large data packet using a combination header, and then splits them back into individual packets at the destination node or distribution node, improving transmission efficiency by reducing the number of packets being transmitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple small data packets are transmitted individually in M2M communication, then the communication service requirements are met, but the network forwarding efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small data packets with the same destination into a single combined data packet for transmission through the SDN network. The network controller identifies packets destined for the same endpoint and merges them, reducing the total number of packets that require network forwarding operations. This directly improves network forwarding efficiency by decreasing the volume of packet processing required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the packet handling process into three distinct phases: combination at the ingress node, efficient transmission through the network, and splitting at the egress node. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - combination reduces packet count for transmission, while splitting restores individual packets at the destination, maintaining service requirements while improving overall efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple small data packets are transmitted individually, then each packet can be delivered to its destination, but the transmission overhead and network resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data packets are merged into a single combined packet structure that includes a combination header and individual packet payloads. This merging reduces network resource consumption by eliminating redundant header transmissions and decreasing the total number of forwarding operations required, while the combination header maintains the information needed to restore individual packets at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the combination and splitting processes. It identifies which packets should be combined, configures the ingress and egress nodes accordingly, and ensures that the combination header contains sufficient information for accurate packet restoration. This intermediary coordination maintains delivery reliability while optimizing resource usage.
3Productivity
If data packets are combined into a single packet for transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of packet handling at ingress and egress nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex packet handling task into specialized functions at different network nodes. The ingress node performs combination operations, the SDN controller performs configuration and coordination, and the egress node performs splitting operations. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single device, making the system more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller serves as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity for individual nodes. It automatically identifies which packets to combine, configures the combination header format, and programs the ingress and egress nodes with the appropriate handling rules. This intermediary automation reduces the manual configuration complexity and allows nodes to focus on executing predefined operations.
4Quantity of substance
If a combination header is generated for combined packets, then the number of packets is reduced for transmission, but the header processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The combination header is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a routing header for the combined packet, contains metadata about the individual packets it comprises, and provides information needed for the egress node to split the combined packet back into individual packets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate header structures and processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the header structure by introducing a combination header that encapsulates multiple packet identifiers and routing information in a standardized format. This parameter change in the header structure allows for more efficient processing compared to handling multiple separate headers, as the combination header can be processed as a single unit while containing all necessary information for packet restoration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide an SDN, an SDN configuration method, an SDN-based data transmission method, and a network controller. A data packet combination function and a data packet split function are separately configured on nodes in the SDN. Therefore, when data packets of a first service are received, multiple small data packets of the first service may be combined into one large data packet. In comparison with transmission of the multiple small data packets, transmission efficiency of the SDN can be improved by transmitting the combined data packet.