Unified Traffic Migration System Using Mask-Based Abstraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network traffic migration practices are complex and lack reusability due to their coupling with specific network setups and devices, leading to operational inefficiencies and high complexity during outages or maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A unified traffic migration system using a mask-based representation and modularization to abstract configuration details, enabling composable workflows and reducing operational complexity through generic interfaces and plug-and-play capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current network traffic migration practices are used, then traffic can be migrated during outages or maintenance, but operational complexity increases and reusability decreases due to coupling with specific network setups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereusability of migration processesVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal traffic migration system that can handle multiple migration scenarios across different network setups through a common abstraction layer. The system defines standardized interfaces and workflows that work across various network topologies and device types, making the migration processes reusable and adaptable to different situations without requiring custom solutions for each specific network configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer between the migration control logic and the specific network devices. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of device-specific configurations while presenting a simplified, unified interface to operators. The abstraction layer translates high-level migration intentions into device-specific commands, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traffic migration is performed using specific network setups and devices, then migration can be executed, but coupling between operator intentions and network configurations increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of traffic migrationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex device-specific configuration details from the migration control logic by introducing an abstraction layer. This separation allows operators to specify migration intentions at a high level without dealing with intricate device configurations. The system automatically handles the translation of abstract migration goals into specific device commands, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates abstract representations (models) of network devices and migration workflows that capture the essential behavior without replicating the full complexity of actual device configurations. These abstract models serve as templates that can be instantiated and adapted to specific devices, simplifying the operation process while managing configuration complexity through parameterization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If a unified traffic migration model is implemented, then management efficiency improves and operational complexity reduces, but system design complexity increases initially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the traffic migration system into distinct modular components: an abstraction layer for unified modeling, a translation layer for device-specific adaptations, and execution layers for actual migration operations. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, improving management efficiency while managing design complexity through clear separation of concerns and defined interfaces between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11533250B2Common abstraction for network traffic migration
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US11533250B2 patent drawing
  • US11533250B2 patent drawing
  • US11533250B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of reverse migrating traffic in a network includes receiving, via an application programming interface (API), a request to migrate traffic, the request identifying a target around which the traffic is to be migrated and a peer to which the traffic is to be migrated. The computer-implemented method further includes generating one or more masks comprising weights indicating a percentage of traffic to send to each port of at least two ports. The computer-implemented method further includes stacking the one or more masks on a base mask denoting a default configuration of a network component. The computer-implemented method further includes facilitating migration of the traffic using the one or more masks. The computer-implemented method further includes performing a reverse migration from the target to the peer by removing each of the one or more masks.