Future Wei Technologies, Inc.

Liurong Qian

Wei Wei

Jingjing Zhang

Control plane management based on physical topology of nodes in software-defined networks (SDNs) is provided. Nodes in an SDN are organized into a plurality of node clusters. A cluster of nodes in an SDN is formed and control plane management for the nodes within the cluster is provided. A topology-aware assignment of nodes to controllers in an SDN is provided. Related nodes such as root and corresponding child nodes are assigned to a single cluster in one embodiment to lessen the impacts of controller failure. The assignment of nodes to controllers is also provided based on minimizing traffic between node clusters and between nodes and external networks.

Topology-aware controller associations in software-defined networks

A network model is provided for modeling the nodes in networks such as access networks having a tree topology. Using the model, a network description can be generated that includes a node description for each node in the access network. A node description for a node includes an extra field to define child nodes relative to a modeled node. The node description also includes an extra field to describe a link from a modeled node to an upstream node. The connecting links and intermediate nodes of access nodes are exposed and can be manipulated. By providing a node description with child and link fields, a separate link data store can be avoided.

Modeling access networks as trees in software-defined network controllers

Control plane management based on the physical topology of nodes in software-defined networks (SDNs) is provided. A tree structure in an SDN such as an access network is identified. Control plan management is provided using the tree structure. A controller configures changes in the SDN and provides notifications to other controllers after configuring devices under its control. A controller prioritizes the status of downstream and/or upstream devices based on a type or direction of data flow when making configuration decisions. A controller provides notifications to other controllers by prioritizing notifications based on the hierarchical position of devices.

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Liurong Qian