Tool Port Aliasing for Network Visibility Fabric Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) in Evolved Packet Core (EPC) networks complicates the implementation of network visibility fabrics by requiring separate configuration of control and user plane nodes, leading to potential human errors and data loss due to the need to mirror maps between control processing nodes (CPN) and user processing nodes (UPN).
Innovation Solution
Introducing a 'tool alias' property in the port map of both CPN and UPN, allowing CPN to correlate and forward traffic with included tool aliases, eliminating the need to mirror flow maps from CPN to UPN, and enabling UPN to determine correct tool ports based on received aliases for forwarding network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate configuration of control and user plane nodes is implemented in CUPS networks, then network functionality and scalability are improved, but configuration complexity and potential for human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flow map copying from control plane node to user plane node to simplify configuration. Instead of independently configuring both nodes, the flow map is copied from CPN to UPN, ensuring consistency and reducing manual configuration errors while maintaining the separated architecture benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (flow map synchronization) that mediates between the control plane and user plane configurations. This intermediary ensures that configuration changes in the control plane are automatically propagated to user plane nodes, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining architectural separation
2Reliability
If flow maps are mirrored between control processing node and user processing node, then configuration consistency is improved, but risk of human error and data loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated flow map copying from control plane node to user plane node, replacing manual mirroring processes. This automated copying ensures configuration consistency while eliminating human errors associated with manual data entry and synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service configuration synchronization where the control plane node automatically pushes flow map updates to user plane nodes without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures consistency while reducing the operational burden and error risk of manual configuration management
3Measurement precision
If manual configuration synchronization is performed between nodes, then configuration accuracy can be monitored, but time consumption and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration synchronization by automatically copying flow maps from control plane to user plane nodes before operational needs arise. This preliminary automated synchronization eliminates the need for time-consuming manual configuration processes while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous automated flow map synchronization between nodes, ensuring configuration accuracy is maintained continuously without periodic manual interventions. This continuous automated process eliminates time loss associated with manual reconfiguration while maintaining precise configuration state
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a network visibility node is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the network visibility node has a plurality of network ports through which to communicate data with a plurality of network hosts and has a plurality of tool ports through which to communicate data with a plurality of network tools. The network visibility node accesses a port group map associated with a plurality of tool port groups of the network visibility node, where each of the tool port groups includes one or more tool ports of the network visibility node, and where the port group map contains a separate tool alias for each tool port group of the plurality of tool port groups. Each tool alias can correspond to a different type of network traffic. The network visibility node uses the port group map to ascertain a tool port group through which to communicate the plurality of packets with a particular network tool.