Topology Discovery Header for Control-Plane-Less Network Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated network-topology-discovery processes rely on control-plane protocols, which can be costly and inefficient, as they require transmitting topology information in control-protocol packets, limiting network flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'control-plane-less' approach by encoding Topology Discovery Headers (TDH) in data-plane headers of packets, allowing for automated topology discovery without relying on conventional control-plane protocols, thereby eliminating the need for control-protocol packets and integrating topology discovery into packet switching technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control-plane protocols are used for topology discovery, then topology information can be exchanged among network nodes, but operational costs increase and network scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges topology discovery functionality into the data-plane packets by embedding Topology Discovery Headers (TDH) within standard data packets. This eliminates the need for separate control-plane protocols, as topology information is now carried alongside data traffic using the same network infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable topology information exchange.
2Reliability
If control-plane protocols are used for topology discovery, then topology information can be transmitted, but network flexibility and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes data-plane packets universal by enabling them to serve dual purposes: carrying both data traffic and topology discovery information through the TDH extension. This multi-functionality allows standard data packets to perform topology discovery alongside their primary data-carrying role, enhancing network flexibility and scalability without requiring specialized control-plane infrastructure.
3Extent of automation
If conventional control-protocol packets are used, then topology discovery can be performed, but redundant control protocols are needed increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topology discovery function from the control-plane protocol layer and relocates it into the data-plane packet structure. By taking out the topology discovery capability and embedding it directly in data packets via TDH, the system eliminates redundant control protocols while preserving automated topology discovery, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated topology-discovery processes, wherein topology-related information is exchanged among the nodes of a network using data-plane headers of transmitted packets, and without relying on conventional control-plane topology-discovery protocols. For such “control-plane-less” topology discovery, a discovery-enabling Topology Discovery Header (TDH) may be encoded as an extension of the data-plane header. Such TDH can be used, e.g., to carry various types of pertinent information typically relied-upon by the relevant network entities for topology-discovery purposes. In some embodiments, topology discovery is fully migrated from the control plane to the data plane and is substantially integrated into the corresponding Packet Switching Technology. Due to this migration, some features of some conventional control protocols may not be critically needed in the corresponding communication networks. As a result, adaptation, streamlining, replacement, and/or elimination of some of such control protocols may beneficially be implemented, e.g., to meet the needs of the network operator in a cost-effective manner.