Reusable Workflow Designer for SDN Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networks (SDNs), managing software changes across virtualized network components is inefficient due to the need for manual task execution and lack of reusable workflows, leading to lengthy development times and inefficiencies in operations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an API Stitching Workflow Designer and Task Management dashboard enables the creation of reusable workflows, allowing for automated orchestration of open loop tasks without additional programming, focusing on metadata-driven design and execution to streamline SDN operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual task execution is used for managing software changes in SDN, then flexibility in task execution is maintained, but development time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining reusable workflow templates that encapsulate common SDN operational tasks. These templates are created in advance and stored in a repository, allowing operators to quickly deploy standardized procedures without manual programming each time. The workflow templates include pre-configured task sequences, parameters, and logic, enabling rapid instantiation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by allowing workflow templates to be reused across multiple instances. Once a workflow is designed and validated, it can be copied and instantiated multiple times with different parameters. This eliminates the need to recreate the same operational procedures repeatedly, significantly reducing development time while maintaining consistency across operations.
2Productivity
If reusable workflows are implemented, then development time is reduced and operational efficiency increases, but system complexity increases due to workflow management infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a workflow management system that sits between the operational requirements and the underlying system components. This intermediary handles the complexity of workflow definition, storage, validation, and execution, shielding users from the intricate details while providing powerful reusable workflow capabilities. The workflow engine acts as a mediator that translates high-level operational intents into executable task sequences.
3Ease of operation
If workflows are created without additional programming, then ease of operation improves, but the level of automation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling operations personnel to create and configure workflows using a visual designer interface without requiring programming expertise. The system provides self-service capabilities through drag-and-drop workflow assembly, automatic parameter binding, and built-in validation, allowing users to build automated workflows independently. This maintains high automation levels while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Components may provide functionality which separate operation functions in a separate entity, isolate the functions as reusable, and connect them in a control loop in an SDN environment.