TURN-SDN Proxy for Hybrid Network Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid SDN networks face complexities and increased costs due to complicated configurations and the need for additional hardware when initializing network applications, particularly in migrating legacy networks to SDN technology.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a software-defined networking (SDN) network communication method that utilizes the Traversal Using Relays around Network Address Translation (TURN) protocol, integrating data streams through relay servers and managing them with OpenFlow switches, including a TURN-SDN proxy and an SDN controller to optimize data paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid SDN networks are implemented to migrate legacy networks to SDN technology, then network modernization and functionality are improved, but configuration complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary component that bridges legacy networks and SDN networks. This gateway handles protocol conversion and data stream relay, allowing legacy applications to communicate with the SDN infrastructure without requiring complex reconfiguration of existing systems. The gateway acts as a mediator that translates between traditional networking protocols and SDN protocols, thereby reducing configuration complexity while enabling network modernization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid SDN networks are implemented to migrate legacy networks to SDN technology, then network modernization is improved, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed to perform multiple functions including protocol conversion, data stream relay, and network address translation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized hardware components, thereby lowering overall hardware costs while still enabling comprehensive network modernization from legacy to SDN infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TURN protocol is used to relay data streams through the gateway, then compatibility with legacy networks is improved, but data transmission efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into distinct functional zones: a legacy network zone using TURN protocol for compatibility, and an SDN zone using optimized routing for efficiency. The gateway device creates logical segmentation where protocol conversion occurs only at the boundary interfaces, while internal SDN communications benefit from direct optimized paths. This segmentation allows legacy compatibility to be maintained without compromising the transmission efficiency of modern SDN traffic flows.
Data Source
AI summary
An SDN-enabled network communication method is disclosed. A master TURN server sends a client an error response and assigns a relay switch as a backup server for the client using an alternate-server mechanism. Therefore, data streams of the client are directly transferred to the relay switch. With support by a shadow TURN server and an SDN controller, switches forwarding the data streams are managed according to the OpenFlow protocol to implement path optimization for the data streams.