SDN Traffic Simulation and Visualization for Power Grid Troubleshooting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and troubleshooting data packet routing in large electric power transmission and distribution systems is complex due to non-standardized management interfaces and integrated control and data forwarding logic in traditional networks, making it challenging to ensure accurate and timely data transmission and avoid issues like traffic duplication or blocking.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for simulating and visualizing data packet routing within a software-defined network (SDN), allowing network engineers to simulate packet paths, identify potential issues, and search for data flows using various criteria, with graphical representations to confirm proper configuration and troubleshoot problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional networks with integrated control and data forwarding logic are used, then network functionality is achieved, but management complexity increases due to non-standardized interfaces and difficulty in troubleshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function by separating control plane and data plane, allowing standardized management interfaces at the control plane level while simplifying data plane devices. This segmentation enables independent optimization of management complexity versus network functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that centralizes control logic and provides standardized management interfaces. The controller mediates between diverse network devices and management systems, abstracting complexity while maintaining network functionality.
2Productivity
If packet routing is simulated and visualized in SDN, then troubleshooting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to simulation and visualization components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network topology and routing rules in the simulation system. This virtual replica allows packet routing to be simulated without affecting the actual network, enabling efficient troubleshooting while maintaining system manageability through isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system serves multiple functions including packet routing simulation, traffic flow visualization, and troubleshooting support. By making the system multi-functional, the patent improves productivity across multiple tasks without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If traffic flow is not accurately simulated, then network configuration is simplified, but routing accuracy deteriorates leading to duplication or blocking issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs packet routing simulation before actual network configuration deployment. This preliminary action allows routing paths to be validated and potential issues like duplication or blocking to be identified in advance, ensuring routing accuracy without adding complexity to the actual network operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system provides feedback about routing accuracy by visualizing simulated traffic flows and comparing them against expected paths. This feedback mechanism enables verification of routing correctness while maintaining simulation complexity at manageable levels through targeted validation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for simulating data packet routing within a software defined network (“SDN”), visualizing the results of the simulation, and permitting a user to search the resulting simulation. In one specified embodiment, a system may receive from a user a simulation parameter associated with a packet to be simulated in the SDN. A packet based on the at least one simulation parameter may be generated. A response of the SDN to the packet may be simulated by identifying applicable traffic routing rules and identifying a subsequent destination based on the applicable traffic routing rules. A record of the subsequent destination may be added to the simulation result, and the process may continue until a terminating condition is satisfied.