NETWORK ELEMENT OF A SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORK

摘要

A network element of a software-defined network includes line interface modules 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 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, 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.

主权项

1. A network element for a software-defined network, the network element comprising line interface modules capable of transferring data between each other, at least one of the line interface modules being capable of receiving data from outside of the network element, at least one of the line interface modules being capable of transmitting data out from the network element, and each of the line interface modules being configurable with configuration data received from a controller of the software-defined network, wherein the network element comprises a processing system adapted to configure, in accordance with the configuration data, at least one of the line interface modules to support:
external data-forwarding functionality between the network element and other network elements,wherein the processing system is further adapted to configure, in accordance with the configuration data, at least two of the line interface modules to support:
internal data-forwarding functionality within the network element and between the at least two of the line interface modules, and signaling functionality enabling a first one of the at least two line interface modules to control at least one other of the at least two line interface modules with signal data being determined at least partly in accordance with the configuration data and being additional to data received from the other network elements when the network element is operating in accordance with the configuration data.