Wireless Data Plane Abstraction for Routing Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless network architectures, such as WiMax, often integrate control plane and data plane functions into a single server, leading to complex and costly systems that are prone to bugs, whereas separating these functions could simplify the data plane and make it more reliable and cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

The data plane is abstracted from the control plane in wireless networks like WiMax, allowing a routing device to perform data path functions independently of the control plane, enabling compatibility with different wireless network architectures without requiring reconfiguration of other network devices, and utilizing off-the-shelf routers like Juniper MX or M series routers for data plane operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control plane and data plane functions are integrated into a single server, then system functionality is complete, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional integrated server into separate control plane and data plane components. The control plane server handles control functions while the data plane router handles data forwarding, allowing each component to be optimized independently and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The data plane functions are extracted from the control plane server and implemented as a separate, independent data plane router. This extraction allows the control plane to focus on management functions while the data plane handles high-speed packet forwarding, reducing the complexity of the original integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If control plane and data plane functions are integrated into a single server, then system functionality is complete, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into separate control plane and data plane components, the patent enables the use of standard, off-the-shelf router hardware for the data plane, reducing manufacturing costs compared to custom integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The data plane router can be implemented using inexpensive, commercially available router hardware rather than requiring expensive custom-built integrated servers, significantly reducing the overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If control plane and data plane functions are integrated into a single server, then system functionality is complete, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements separate control plane and data plane processes, allowing the data plane to continue operating even if the control plane experiences issues. This segmentation isolates failures and improves overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By extracting data plane functions from the control plane server and implementing them as an independent data plane router, the system eliminates the single point of failure that existed in integrated architectures, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If data plane is abstracted from control plane, then data plane simplicity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata plane reliabilityVSAvoidrouting device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data plane router that can function in multiple wireless network architectures (WiMAX, WiFi, LTE) without requiring reconfiguration. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the data plane while maintaining compatibility across different networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an interface layer between the control plane and data plane that enables communication without requiring deep integration. This intermediary interface allows for independent optimization of both planes while reducing the apparent complexity through standardized interaction protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8787250B2Systems and methods for distributed data routing in a wireless network

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 AVIAT U S

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 routing device comprises a control module, a service module, and a router module. The control module may be configured to receive communication instructions from a control server. The service module may be configured to process the communication instructions and provide data path instructions based on the communication instructions. The router module may be configured to receive data from a source device and route the processed data to a target device based on the data path instructions. The control server may comprise a WiMax server such as an ASN server or a CSN server.