Semantic Data Modeling for SDN Policy Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software defined networking (SDN) systems face inconsistencies and inefficiencies due to the use of discrete managed objects for network configuration, leading to non-optimized configurations, data consistency issues, and performance degradation, especially when complex relationships between information elements are unknown or unmanaged.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of semantic data modeling to generate and use semantic data query protocol transactions based on semantic data models that describe configuration domains, enabling consistent and efficient policy management and enforcement by capturing and inferring relationships between configuration elements, thereby simplifying queries and improving network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete managed objects are used for network configuration, then configuration flexibility is improved, but configuration consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete managed objects into a unified semantic data model that represents the entire network configuration as an integrated whole. This allows the system to maintain configuration flexibility through semantic relationships while ensuring consistency through a single source of truth, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The semantic data model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores configuration data, defines relationships between network elements, enables consistent querying across different configuration types, and provides a framework for policy enforcement. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both flexibility and consistency through a single universal structure.
2Loss of information
If multiple managed object queries are used to retrieve network information, then information completeness is improved, but retrieval speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate managed object queries into a single semantic query operation. By representing network information in an integrated semantic data model, the system can retrieve complete information across multiple previously discrete objects through one unified query, thereby maintaining information completeness while dramatically improving retrieval speed.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete managed objects are used for network configuration, then implementation simplicity is improved, but system extensibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The semantic data model provides a universal framework that handles diverse network configuration elements through consistent semantic relationships. This allows the system to maintain implementation simplicity through a unified approach while achieving extensibility by easily adding new configuration types that conform to the existing semantic structure, eliminating the need for complex custom implementations for each new element type.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for policy management and enforcement using semantic data modeling are provided. A first declarative policy is received at a network node from a controller. A first semantic data query protocol (SDQP) transaction is generated by retrieving a first semantic data model associated with the network node, where the first semantic data model describes a configuration domain of the network node, and parsing the first declarative policy based on the first semantic data model to generate the first SDQP transaction. The first declarative policy is then implemented by executing the first SDQP transaction against a semantic database.