Transparent Proxy TCP Switchover via Timer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for TCP connection management in SDN networks result in latency and increased workload when traffic destined for a destination IP address changes paths, as existing TCP connections break and need to be reestablished, impacting end-user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a switchover timer mechanism where the transparent proxy waits for existing TCP connections to end or the timer to expire before transitioning to a new path, allowing for a graceful switchover by relaying new connections and terminating remaining ones, thus minimizing disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic path is changed to optimize network performance, then network efficiency is improved, but TCP connections break causing latency and increased workload
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting TCP connection establishment in advance and proactively configuring the transparent proxy to relay those connections before path switchover occurs. This allows existing connections to be maintained through the new path without breaking, preventing the need for reestablishment and eliminating the associated latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent proxy acts as an intermediary component between the SDN controller and network traffic. It receives instructions from the SDN controller about path changes and actively manages TCP connections by relaying them through the new path, serving as a mediator that ensures smooth transition without connection breaks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transparent proxy immediately switches to new path, then network adaptability is improved, but existing TCP connections are terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic path switching by monitoring TCP connection states in real-time. When a path change is needed, the transparent proxy dynamically adjusts its behavior to relay existing connections through the new path while allowing new connections to use the optimized route, creating a flexible and adaptive transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller provides feedback to the transparent proxy about path changes and traffic characteristics. The transparent proxy uses this feedback to make informed decisions about connection management, adjusting its relaying behavior based on real-time network conditions and connection states to maintain reliability during transitions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is implemented by a transparent proxy to support graceful switchover in a network, where the transparent proxy proxies one or more Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections involving a destination Internet Protocol (IP) address. The method includes starting a switchover timer for the destination IP address in response to receiving an instruction from an Application Flow Controller (AFC) to start the switchover timer for the destination IP address and transmitting an indication to the AFC that all of the one or more TCP connections involving the destination IP address that are proxied by the transparent proxy have ended or the switchover timer for the destination IP address has expired in response to a determination that all of the one or more TCP connections involving the destination IP address that are proxied by the transparent proxy have ended or the switchover timer for the destination IP address has expired.