SDN Routing Control Device Path Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networks (SDNs), existing technologies face challenges in selecting the best network path that meets the requirements of end-host applications, such as latency-sensitive services, due to a lack of awareness of these requirements by the network, and providing API access introduces security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and routing control device that allow end-hosts to request network properties by encoding these requests in packet headers, enabling the routing control device to determine and configure optimal network paths through the SDN, without direct API access, by modifying source addresses and configuring switches to route packets accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If API access is provided to end hosts for network path configuration, then network path optimization meets application requirements, but security risks increase for SDN operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the routing control device acts as a mediator between end hosts and the network. Instead of providing direct API access to end hosts, the device intercepts ARP packets, extracts path requirements from encoded addresses, and determines optimal paths. This intermediary approach enables network path optimization while maintaining security by preventing direct access to the routing control device.
2Productivity
If the network is unaware of application requirements on end hosts, then network simplicity is maintained, but optimal path selection for latency-sensitive services cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having end hosts encode their application requirements (such as latency sensitivity) directly into the source address field of ARP packets before transmission. This allows the routing control device to proactively identify and process path requirements before route determination, enabling optimal path selection without requiring the network to be continuously aware of application states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by encoding application requirements into the address parameters of ARP packets. The source address field, which traditionally only identifies the host, is repurposed to carry additional information about path requirements. This parameter transformation enables the network to understand application needs without adding complex signaling protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
It is presented a method for configuring a network path. The method is performed in a routing control device of a software defined network and comprises the steps of: receiving a first node packet originating from a first node of the software defined network, the first node packet forming part of an ARP exchange between an ARP requester and an ARP responder, the first node packet comprising a request for network properties encoded in a first address; determining a network path through the software defined network; changing a source address of a packet to the ARP requester to be a second address; configuring all switches forming part of the network path, to route packets in accordance with the network path; and configuring an edge switch to replace, for all packets having a destination address being equal to the second address, the destination address with an address of the ARP responder.