Virtual Network Element Traffic Flow Redirection via Centralized Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual network elements, redirecting traffic flow paths is complex and time-consuming due to the need for manual configuration of physical network elements, requiring professional technical personnel and involving heavy workloads.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically determine redirection parameters and tunnel forwarding information to redirect traffic flow paths within virtual network elements, using a centralized controller to establish and manage redirection paths and protection paths based on topological relationships and link statuses, allowing packets to be forwarded in a tunnel manner without modifying individual physical network element configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of each physical network element is performed to establish a redirection path, then the redirection path can be established according to topological relationships, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming with heavy workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary between the network management system and physical network elements. The controller automatically generates configuration parameters and distributes them to multiple physical network elements, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each element while ensuring proper redirection path establishment according to topological relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-configuration of physical network elements through the centralized controller. The controller retrieves topological relationships, automatically calculates configuration parameters for each network element, and pushes configurations without human intervention. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces configuration time and workload while maintaining reliable redirection path establishment.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of each physical network element is performed to establish a redirection path, then the redirection path can be established according to topological relationships, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming with heavy workload
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of configuring multiple physical network elements. It automatically retrieves topological relationships, calculates configuration parameters for each element, and distributes configurations centrally. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall configuration process while ensuring reliable redirection path establishment according to network topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-configuration where the centralized controller performs all configuration tasks without manual intervention. The controller automatically generates configuration parameters for each physical network element based on topological relationships and pushes configurations to the appropriate elements. This self-service mechanism reduces device complexity in the configuration process while maintaining reliable redirection path establishment.
3Reliability
If configuration parameters of each physical network element are separately configured to determine the redirection path, then packets can be forwarded along the redirection path, but professional technical personnel are required and workload is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller acts as an intermediary that simplifies the configuration operation for packet forwarding. It automatically retrieves topological relationships, calculates configuration parameters for each physical network element, and distributes configurations without requiring professional technical personnel to manually configure each element. This intermediary approach ensures reliable packet forwarding along redirection paths while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service configuration where the centralized controller performs all configuration tasks required for packet forwarding along redirection paths. The controller automatically generates and pushes configuration parameters to physical network elements without human intervention. This eliminates the need for professional technical personnel to perform manual configuration while ensuring reliable packet forwarding, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If manual configuration is performed for each physical network element, then the redirection path can be established, but the process is complex and requires professional technical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller serves as an intermediary that dramatically improves configuration efficiency for establishing redirection paths. It automatically retrieves topological relationships, calculates configuration parameters for all physical network elements, and distributes configurations centrally in one coordinated process. This intermediary approach ensures reliable redirection path establishment while improving productivity by eliminating the need for manual configuration of each element and reducing the requirement for professional technical personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service configuration that significantly improves productivity in establishing redirection paths. The centralized controller automatically performs all configuration tasks including retrieving topology, calculating parameters, and pushing configurations to physical network elements without human intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable redirection path establishment while dramatically improving configuration efficiency and reducing the need for professional technical personnel.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses a traffic flow forwarding path redirection method and apparatus, and a traffic flow forwarding system. The method includes: determining a redirection parameter of a virtual network element through which a traffic flow passes, where the virtual network element includes multiple physical network elements; establishing, according to a topological relationship of the physical network elements in the virtual network element, a redirection path that is used to forward the traffic flow and that is between an inbound interface of a start physical network element and an outbound interface of an end physical network element; generating tunnel forwarding information of the redirection path; and sending, to the physical network elements on the redirection path, packet labels respectively corresponding to the physical network elements, so that the physical network elements on the redirection path forward a packet in the traffic flow on the redirection path in a tunnel manner. In embodiments of the present invention, a traffic flow forwarding path redirection process is simplified.