SDN Switch Static Flow Reporting to Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static flows programmed by a switch administrator in software-defined networks (SDNs) are not reported to the SDN controller, limiting the controller's visibility and control over network traffic, especially during controller connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is implemented in network switches to create and send messages to the SDN controller indicating the addition, modification, or deletion of static flows, using a SDN-formatted structure, ensuring the controller is aware of all flows and can manage them effectively, even when connectivity is interrupted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static flows are programmed by switch administrator without reporting to SDN controller, then switch can independently manage flows, but SDN controller loses visibility and control over network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The switch implements a feedback mechanism by sending notifications to the SDN controller whenever static flows are added, modified, or deleted. This allows the controller to maintain visibility and control over network traffic while the switch retains independent flow management capabilities through CLI-configured static flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two previously separate flow management approaches: traditional CLI-configured static flows and SDN controller-managed dynamic flows. By merging these systems and implementing notification mechanisms, the switch can handle both types of flows while maintaining controller visibility, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and centralized control.
2Device complexity
If static flows are not reported to SDN controller, then switch maintains simpler operation, but network security control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The notification mechanism provides feedback to the SDN controller about static flow changes, enabling security policies to be enforced without complicating switch operation. The controller can identify security violations and delete unwanted flows based on notifications received from the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system acts as an intermediary between the switch's static flow management and the SDN controller's security control functions. This intermediary mechanism allows the controller to maintain security oversight without directly interfering with the switch's simple operation or requiring complex changes to the switching fabric.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static flows are programmed locally without notification, then switch can operate autonomously, but traffic loss increases during controller connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The switch performs preliminary actions by sending notifications to the controller about static flow changes before controller connection failures can occur. This ensures the controller has up-to-date information about network flows, enabling faster recovery and reduced traffic loss when connection failures happen.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing feedback notifications about static flow changes, the system ensures the controller maintains an accurate view of network state. This reduces traffic loss during controller connection failures because the controller can quickly resume control with accurate flow information when connectivity is restored.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a switch that has a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to create a message indicating addition, modification, or deletion of a static flow in a software defined network (SDN), wherein the static flow includes the switch and at least one other device in the SDN, and send the message to a SDN controller in a SDN-formatted structure. In another embodiment, a method includes creating a message, using a switch, indicating addition, modification, or deletion of a static flow in a SDN, wherein the static flow includes the switch and at least one other device in the SDN, and sending the message to a SDN controller in a SDN-formatted structure. Other systems and methods for reporting static flows to a SDN controller in a SDN are described according to more embodiments.