Wireless Network Data Path Control via Plane Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network systems, such as WiMax, often have complex and costly integrated data path systems where both control plane and data plane functions are performed by the same servers, leading to potential bugs and high costs due to the complexity of these integrated systems.
Innovation Solution
The data plane is abstracted from the control plane, with a separate routing device performing data path functions, allowing different wireless network servers to use the same routing device without reconfiguration, and using off-the-shelf routers like Juniper MX or M series routers to simplify the ASN and CSN server functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control plane and data plane functions are integrated in the same server, then system functionality is complete, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated server into separate control plane functions and data plane functions. The control plane handles signaling and management, while the data plane handles user data traffic. This segmentation reduces system complexity by allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data plane functions from the control plane server and implements them in a separate routing device or gateway. This extraction eliminates the complexity of having both planes integrated in the same system, allowing the control plane to focus on management tasks while the data plane handles traffic forwarding.
2Ease of operation
If control plane and data plane functions are integrated in the same server, then system operation is unified, but system cost increases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into separate control and data planes, the patent reduces the overall system cost. Each component can be implemented using standard, off-the-shelf hardware and software, rather than requiring a custom integrated system. This segmentation allows for more economical implementation while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated data path systems are used, then all functions are available, but potential bugs increase due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves reliability by segmenting the system into separate control and data planes. This segmentation isolates potential bugs and failures to specific components, preventing cascading failures across the entire system. The control plane and data plane can be independently tested, deployed, and maintained, reducing the risk of system-wide issues.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the data plane from the control plane, the patent reduces the attack surface and potential failure points in the control plane. The data plane routing functions can be implemented using well-tested, standardized routing protocols and hardware, improving overall system reliability while maintaining full functionality.
4Device complexity
If separate routing device is used for data plane, then system complexity reduces, but configuration flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal routing device or gateway that can handle multiple data plane functions and support different wireless network architectures. This universal device maintains configuration flexibility through programmable routing tables, policy-based routing, and the ability to adapt to different network topologies and requirements, despite the separation from the control plane.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, the data plane may be abstracted from a control plane in a wireless network such as WiMax, WiFi, LTE or the like. In some embodiments, a method comprises a receiving control data at a control server from a source device, generating routing instructions at the control server regarding routing network data based on the control data, providing the routing instructions to a routing device, configuring the routing device based on the routing instructions, receiving network data from the source device, and routing the network data from the source device to a target device using the configured routing device.