Virtual Network Element Separating Control and Data Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network elements are inflexible and costly, as they require specialized hardware for each function, leading to resource inefficiencies and high costs, especially when processing both control and data packets, which limits scalability and manageability in virtualized communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A virtual network element is introduced, comprising virtual machine modules that process control packets and a separate forwarding device for data packets, using a classifier module to differentiate and route packets based on packet processing libraries and APIs, allowing for efficient traffic management and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network elements use specialized hardware for each function, then processing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements network function virtualization where a single physical infrastructure supports multiple network functions through virtual machine modules. Each virtual machine module can process different types of packets (control packets, data packets, voice, video, data) on demand, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized hardware for each function while maintaining processing reliability through software-defined control planes.
2Productivity
If traditional network elements process both control and data packets together, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to resource inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet processing into distinct control plane and data plane functions. The control plane handles control packets through virtual machine modules that generate updating data, while the data plane forwards data packets based on this updating data. This separation allows each plane to be optimized independently, improving overall productivity by eliminating resource contention and inefficiencies associated with processing both packet types together on the same hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized hardware is used for each network function, then processing performance is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network function deployment where virtual machine modules can be instantiated, configured, and terminated on demand based on traffic requirements. The controller dynamically allocates virtual machine modules to handle different packet types (control, data, voice, video) and adjusts resource allocation in real-time. This dynamic approach provides high adaptability to changing network needs while maintaining processing performance through efficient resource utilization and flexible software-defined control.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a virtual network element that includes a plurality of virtual machine modules configured to process a plurality of control packets in a virtualized telecommunication network. A classifier module is configured to receive telecommunications traffic that includes the plurality of control packets and a plurality of data packets, to separate the plurality of control plane data from the at least one data packet, and to forward the plurality of control packets to selected ones of the plurality of virtual machine modules. A forwarding device, coupled to the classifier module and separate from the plurality of virtual machine modules, is configured to forward the plurality of data packets in the virtualized telecommunication network. Other embodiments are disclosed.