| 摘要 |
<p>A network element of a software-defined network comprises line interface modules (321-324) capable of transferring data between each other and providing connections to other network elements. Each line interface module is configurable with configuration data received from a controller of the software-defined network. The line interface modules are configured, in accordance with the configuration data, to support external data-forwarding functionality between the network element and the other network elements and to support internal data-forwarding functionality between the line interface modules within the network element. Thus, the controller can manage the line interface modules, such as line interface modules, as separately controlled devices. The line interface modules are further adapted to support, in accordance with the configuration data, signaling functionality between the line interface modules. The signaling functionality provides internal functionalities of the network element, such as work sharing between the line interface modules, so that also the internal functionalities can be controllable via the controller.</p> |
