Methods and systems of operating software defined networks

• Main Authors: Ali Sajjad, Behnam Azvine
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 05.04.2023
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHICCOMMUNICATION

A computer-implemented method of operating a software-defined network comprises: initialising S240 a plurality of paths through a data plane for traffic associated with a category of applications and/or services; selecting S245 one of the plurality of paths to be an initial operational path; routing S250 traffic associated with the category of applications and/or services via the initial operational path; subsequently obtaining S260 data indicating that a trigger event has occurred; and responsive thereto: selecting S280 a different one of the plurality of paths to be a replacement operational path; and routing S290 traffic associated with the category of applications and/or services via the replacement operational path. Following initialising the plurality of paths, initialisation parameters of data plane elements in each of the plurality of paths may be periodically refreshed S255, such that traffic can immediately be routed via the replacement operation path following its selection. For each path, it may be determined, from data plane elements forming the path, which security profiles the path is capable of complying with, and different profiles may be chosen following a security-related or performance-related trigger event. Security profiles may specify cryptographic primitives to be used for confidentiality, integrity and authentication.