Session-level SDT Component for Stateful PoP Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication networks lack a session-level Software Defined Topology (SDT) to address stateful constraints on traffic flows and logical pathway selections, leading to potential overloading of points of presence (PoPs) in virtual function (VF) service function chains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Session-level SDT component in the control plane to dynamically manage and adjust the points of presence for stateful functions, interacting with the Service-level SDT component to ensure efficient traffic flow and resource allocation, thereby reducing the impact of stateful function PoP overloading and optimizing network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets of the same session are directed through the same unique PoP of a stateful function, then context maintenance of function statefulness is ensured, but PoP processing load increases and may lead to overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the session management functionality by introducing a Session-level SDT component that operates independently from the Service-level SDT component. This segmentation allows session-specific PoP selection to be handled separately, enabling load distribution across multiple PoPs while maintaining statefulness through controlled session affinity mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic PoP selection at the session level, where the Session-level SDT component can adaptively choose different PoPs for different sessions based on current network conditions and PoP load status. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain statefulness when necessary while distributing load across multiple PoPs to prevent overloading.
2Productivity
If a Session-level SDT component is implemented to dynamically manage PoPs for stateful functions, then PoP overloading is reduced and network performance is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Session-level SDT component as an intermediary layer between the Service-level SDT component and the actual PoP selection process. This intermediary handles the complex logic of session affinity and load distribution, shielding the rest of the system from complexity while enabling advanced PoP management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the SDT architecture by implementing a two-level hierarchy: Service-level SDT for overall service topology and Session-level SDT for individual session management. This dimensional addition allows complex session-specific logic to be handled separately without complicating the service-level topology management.
3Productivity
If different routing schemes are used to route traffic over the data plane, then network performance may be improved, but determining and monitoring VF PoPs for individual sessions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the Session-level SDT component continuously monitors PoP load status and session routing effectiveness. This feedback enables the system to adapt routing decisions based on actual performance metrics, making it easier to detect and measure PoP utilization despite using multiple routing schemes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for a Session-level SDT component in the control plane to handle setup, recovery and mobility of individual session requests in real time. The Session-level SDT component may comprise path management that performs either stateless of stateful path switching for an ongoing session, whether download or uplink, according to the stateful requirements of the session. The path management may be in conjunction with user equipment mobility management operation; it may also be in conjunction with network scalability and automation operation, such as load balancing.