Virtualized Resource Steering via SDN Controller and Transport Access Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems for cloud computing are inflexible and require significant human intervention, leading to slow deployment and potential service disruptions due to the lack of automation in managing virtualized resources and network functions, especially in interconnecting cloud applications across distributed data centers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automating the configuration of virtual SDN-enabled transport network elements and assigning SDN controllers to manage network services, utilizing a cloud management system to select compute resources, deploy applications, and establish transport paths through a Transport Access Manager and Access Control Conductor, ensuring efficient and flexible control of virtualized resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual network management is used, then human control and flexibility are maintained, but deployment speed is slow and service disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
An SDN controller is introduced as an intermediary between the network elements and management systems. The controller receives high-level service deployment requests and automatically translates them into specific configuration commands for network elements, enabling automated network service deployment without requiring manual intervention while maintaining system controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated service chaining and resource allocation. When a service deployment request is received, the system automatically selects appropriate network elements, configures service chains, and establishes connections without human intervention, allowing the network to self-configure and self-manage services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are virtualized, then resource flexibility and automation are improved, but control over transport resources becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions by introducing specialized components: the SDN controller handles high-level service orchestration, the access control conductor manages transport resource allocation, and the transport access manager handles specific network element configuration. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple specialized components rather than concentrating it in a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of control by introducing the access control conductor as an intermediate layer between the SDN controller and transport resources. This additional dimension enables fine-grained control over transport resource allocation while maintaining the flexibility of virtualized network functions, resolving the complexity issue through hierarchical control.
3Extent of automation
If SDN controllers are assigned to network elements, then automated control is achieved, but resource allocation conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The access control conductor implements feedback mechanisms to monitor transport resource usage and allocation status. When resource conflicts are detected or availability changes, the system receives feedback and dynamically adjusts resource allocation decisions, ensuring reliable resource assignment while maintaining automated control. The feedback loop enables real-time adaptation to changing network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention addresses method, apparatus, system and computer program product for controlling virtualized resources, comprising receiving a request to implement a network service at a network element, looking up key parameters of the network service, selecting at least one compute resource according to the network service, deploying at least one application as required to fulfill the network service, selecting at least one transport resource to interconnect the network element with the at least one application, instructing an access control conductor that a transport access manager has exclusive access to at least part of the network element's resources, and instructing the transport access manager to establish a transport path at the network element.