SDN Packet Processing via Distributed Switch Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centralized bandwidth aggregation in software-defined networks (SDNs) can lead to bottlenecks and congestion, as multiple smartphones share a single aggregation entity, which may fail to efficiently manage network connections due to signal interference or mobility.

Innovation Solution

A packet processing method in SDNs that uses multiple switches to replace the centralized aggregation entity, allowing for the selection of routing paths and adjustment of packet transmission proportions to balance network usage and avoid congestion, by adding or removing tunnel headers to upstream and downstream packets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized aggregation entity (AE) is used to aggregate multiple network connections, then packet switching and transmission continuity are improved, but network bottleneck and congestion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission continuityVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized aggregation entity into multiple distributed network switches (first network switch, second network switch, etc.). Each switch independently aggregates packets from different wireless networks, segmenting the bottleneck into multiple parallel processing units. This maintains transmission continuity through distributed switching while eliminating the single-point congestion of centralized AE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized aggregation model to a multi-dimensional distributed switching architecture. Multiple network switches operate in parallel across different spatial dimensions, each handling specific wireless network aggregations. This dimensional expansion distributes the aggregation load, maintaining reliability while preventing bottleneck formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple smart phones share a same aggregation entity, then resource utilization is improved, but aggregation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource sharingVSAvoidaggregation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aggregation function across multiple network switches, with each switch serving as an independent aggregation entity for one or more user equipment. This segmentation allows resource sharing at the system level while maintaining dedicated aggregation capabilities at the switch level, preventing performance deterioration from over-subscription.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each network switch in the distributed architecture serves multiple functions: it acts as an aggregation entity for wireless networks, performs packet switching, and can dynamically adapt to serve different user equipment. This multi-functionality enables resource sharing while maintaining aggregation performance through the universal capabilities of each switch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If packet transmission proportion is adjusted dynamically, then network congestion is avoided, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network switches monitor transmission status and dynamically adjust packet transmission proportions based on real-time network conditions. The controller receives status information from switches and sends back control instructions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes network efficiency while managing complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each network switch autonomously performs packet processing, tunnel header addition/removal, and transmission proportion adjustment based on local conditions. This self-service capability at the switch level reduces the need for centralized control complexity while maintaining overall network efficiency through distributed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10349331B2Packet processing method for software-defined network
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 IND TECH RES INST
  • US10349331B2 patent drawing
  • US10349331B2 patent drawing
  • US10349331B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A packet processing method adapted to a software-defined network is provided. The packet processing method includes the following steps: receiving an upstream packet transmitted to a remote network from a user equipment; removing a tunnel header of the upstream packet, and transmitting the upstream packet to the remote network; receiving a downstream packet transmitted to the user equipment from the remote network; selecting one of a plurality of routing paths coupled to the user equipment to transmit the downstream packet; and adding a tunnel header corresponding to the selected routing path to the downstream packet, and transmitting the downstream packet to the user equipment through the selected routing path.