SDN Switch Link Quality Detection via Controller OAM Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Software Defined Networking (SDN), switches need to implement multiple link quality detection protocols for different network technologies, leading to increased device complexity and inefficient network service processing due to varied protocol functions and increased interaction between controllers and switches.
Innovation Solution
A method where a controller determines a detection path and controls switches to add Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) information to detection packets based on prestored flow table entries, allowing each switch to simplify operations by not needing to use specific link quality detection protocols, thereby reducing complexity and interactions with the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches implement multiple link quality detection protocols for different network technologies, then link quality detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that centralizes the link quality detection functionality. The controller manages multiple detection protocols and coordinates detection activities across switches, eliminating the need for each switch to implement multiple protocols independently. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection capability while reducing switch complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection mechanism where a single detection protocol can be applied across different network technologies through the controller's abstraction layer. The controller translates technology-specific requirements into a unified detection framework, allowing switches to use a single protocol while maintaining versatility across Ethernet, IP, and other network types.
2Measurement precision
If different link quality detection protocols are used for different detection contents, then detection precision is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into two functional parts: the controller handles protocol selection and detection configuration, while switches execute the actual detection packets. This segmentation allows precise detection through protocol specialization at the controller level while simplifying operations at the switch level through standardized execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where detection results are collected and analyzed by the controller, which then adjusts detection parameters and protocols based on network conditions. This feedback loop maintains high detection precision while automating operational complexity, reducing manual intervention requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple switches report link quality to the controller using different protocols, then link quality detection accuracy is improved, but interaction frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection protocols and reporting mechanisms into a unified detection framework managed by the controller. By consolidating detection activities and standardizing reporting formats, the system maintains accurate link quality monitoring while reducing the overall interaction frequency between controller and switches compared to multiple independent detection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a switch, a controller, a system, and a link quality detection method, and pertain to the field of network technologies. In the present invention, the controller determines a detection path, and controls each switch on the detection path to obtain a detection packet, so that after determining that the obtained detection packet matches a prestored flow table entry, each switch adds OAM information to the successfully matched detection packet; and the controller obtains a termination detection packet, and determines link quality according to the termination detection packet. Each switch on a detection path does not need to use a corresponding link quality detection protocol to detect link quality, and only needs to add OAM information to an obtained detection packet. In this way, not only a structure of each switch can be simplified, but also operations of each switch are simplified.