SDN Proxy Gateway Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software-defined networking (SDN) solutions face compatibility issues between SDN controllers and hardware gateways due to proprietary protocols, limiting the choice of hardware gateways and SDN controllers that can be used together, and requiring frequent updates that may not be supported by hardware gateways with longer lifecycles.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-defined networking (SDN) proxy gateway that processes communications between the SDN controller and hardware gateway, translating instructions from the SDN controller's native format into a standardized hardware gateway protocol, enabling interoperability between different SDN controllers and hardware gateways, and managing drivers to select the appropriate protocols and APIs for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary protocols are used for SDN controller and hardware gateway communication, then communication reliability between specific pairs is improved, but system interoperability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized protocol as an intermediary layer between the SDN controller and hardware gateway. The SDN controller communicates using its native proprietary protocol, which is then translated through a standardized intermediate protocol before reaching the hardware gateway. This mediator approach maintains communication reliability for each specific pair while enabling system-wide interoperability through the standardization layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameter from proprietary to standardized. By adopting a standardized protocol specification, the system transforms the communication interface parameters, allowing different SDN controllers and hardware gateways to interoperate while maintaining reliable communication through the standardized framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent protocol updates are implemented to improve compatibility, then system adaptability is improved, but hardware gateway longevity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a standardized protocol framework in advance that is designed to be future-proof and adaptable. This preliminary standardization allows the hardware gateway to remain stable with its implemented standard protocol, while the SDN controller can adapt to new requirements through updates to its native protocol or the translation layer, without requiring hardware gateway updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct layers: the SDN controller's native protocol layer, a standardized intermediate protocol layer, and the hardware gateway's protocol layer. This segmentation allows updates and adaptations to occur in the software layers (SDN controller and translation layer) without affecting the stable hardware gateway implementation, thereby preserving hardware longevity.
3Measurement precision
If proprietary communication formats are used, then communication precision between specific components is improved, but system-wide adaptability and ease of integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized protocol serves as an intermediary that preserves communication precision through well-defined translation rules and mappings. The SDN controller's precise native protocol communications are accurately translated through the standardized intermediate layer, maintaining the precision required for control plane operations while enabling system-wide adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized protocol provides universal communication capabilities that work across different SDN controllers and hardware gateways. This multi-functional standardized interface maintains the precision needed for specific communication requirements while enabling broad system integration and adaptability across diverse components.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention provide an approach for improving communications between a software-defined networking (SDN) controller and a hardware gateway in a SDN. In an embodiment, a SDN proxy gateway is installed. The SDN proxy gateway communicates with the SDN controller on behalf of the hardware gateway. To accomplish this, the SDN proxy gateway processes a communication sent from the SDN controller to the hardware gateway. This communication includes a request from a computing node to establish a network communication channel. The SDN proxy gateway translates these instructions (e.g., the logical network and endpoint information), which are in the native format of the SDN controller, into a standardized hardware gateway protocol. The translated information that the hardware gateway can use to establish the network connection is then pushed to the hardware gateway by the proxy gateway.