Automated Service Discovery in Software-Defined Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In software-defined networking, manual configuration of service-related information is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to inefficient service deployment and utilization, as network administrators must statically specify service locations and parameters, which are not updated promptly with changing service conditions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing automated service discovery techniques where service nodes advertise their services and related parameters using type-length-value fields in routing protocol messages, allowing orchestrating software to automatically update service directories and configure service engineered paths without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of service-related information is used, then network administrators can specify service locations and parameters, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of service data entryVSAvoidtime for manual configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The service node automatically advertises its services and parameters through routing protocol messages without requiring manual configuration by network administrators. The system performs self-discovery and self-registration, eliminating human intervention in the service deployment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The orchestrating software continuously monitors routing protocol messages to detect changes in service availability and parameters. When service conditions change, the system automatically receives updated information and reconfigures service engineered paths accordingly, ensuring real-time adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If static configuration of service information is used, then service parameters can be specified, but they are not updated promptly with changing service conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to changing service conditionsVSAvoidtime for service parameter updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static configuration to dynamic service discovery where service nodes continuously advertise their services through routing protocols. Service parameters are automatically updated in real-time based on current network conditions and service availability, enabling the system to adapt promptly to changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated service discovery is implemented, then administrative burdens are reduced and errors are minimized, but routing protocol messages must be processed automatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministrative burdenVSAvoidautomation processing requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orchestrating software performs multiple functions: it monitors routing protocol messages, maintains service directories, discovers services, and configures service engineered paths. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall complexity while achieving automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The service directory acts as an intermediary data structure that stores service information discovered from routing protocol messages. This intermediary layer simplifies the processing by providing a centralized repository that the orchestrating software can query and update, reducing the complexity of direct message processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9178801B1Automated service discovery in computer networks

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

In general, techniques are described for automatically discovering services in computer networks. A service node comprising a control unit and an interface may implement the techniques. The control unit determines services provided by the service node and generates a routing protocol message that includes service discovery information related to the services. The interface transmits the routing protocol message to enable network devices of the network to discover the services provided by the service node based on the service discovery information. The interface then receives traffic via a path established based on the service discovery information included in the routing protocol message and configured so that the service node applies at least one of the services to the traffic received via the path. The control unit then applies the one or more services to the traffic received via the path.