Software Defined Protocol Network Node Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network data plane protocols are inflexible and cannot adapt to changing network conditions, limiting their ability to provide per-application quality of experience (QoE) and failing to fully exploit the benefits of software-defined networking (SDN) by treating all end-to-end hosts equally, which is inadequate for emerging services like machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined protocol (SDP) network node that receives instructions to update its functionalities, processes packets based on these instructions, and implements protocols dynamically, allowing for customization and optimization of network performance for various applications by activating or deactivating functionalities as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed protocol stack is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to changing network conditions and per-application QoE provisioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protocol stack where protocol layers and their functionalities can be activated or deactivated based on network conditions and application requirements. The SDN controller dynamically configures which protocol layers are instantiated at each network node, allowing the system to adapt to changing network status while maintaining manageable complexity through selective activation of only necessary protocol functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal protocol stack framework that can serve multiple applications and network conditions through a single configurable system. The same physical network node can support different protocol stacks tailored to different applications (e.g., video streaming, M2M communications) by dynamically configuring which protocol layers are active, making the infrastructure universally applicable to diverse service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all end-to-end hosts are treated the same, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide per-application QoE deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing protocol stack configurations for specific applications and network nodes rather than using a uniform configuration everywhere. Each network node can have its protocol stack tailored to local requirements - for example, nodes handling video traffic may have enhanced QoS and buffering protocols activated, while M2M communication nodes may have different protocol layers prioritized, allowing per-application QoE optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller performs preliminary configuration of protocol stacks based on anticipated application requirements and network conditions. Before actual data transmission begins, the controller pre-configures the appropriate protocol layers at each network node according to the service type (video, M2M, etc.), ensuring that the protocol stack is optimized for the specific application's QoE requirements from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocols are fixed at installation, then ease of manufacture and deployment is improved, but flexibility to add or modify protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol configuration that allows protocols to be added, removed, or modified after equipment installation through SDN controller instructions. The network nodes can dynamically instantiate new protocol layers or deactivate existing ones based on changing requirements, providing flexibility without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex manufacturing changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller manages protocol configurations as software templates that can be copied and deployed to multiple network nodes programmatically. When a new protocol needs to be added, the configuration can be replicated across the network through software instructions rather than physical reconfiguration, maintaining ease of deployment while enabling flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A software designed protocol (SDP) network node includes a receiver, and a processor operatively coupled to the receiver. The receiver receives instructions, and receives packets. The processor updates a configuration of the SDP network node in accordance with the received instructions, and processes the received packets.