Adjacency Server for VPN Overlay Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Overlay Transport Virtualization (OTV) mechanisms are not designed to distribute IP addresses in non-Any Source Multicast (ASM) core networks, making it difficult for edge devices to establish overlay networks without manual configuration and awareness of each other's IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
An adjacency server is introduced to distribute IP addresses to edge devices, generating a unicast replication list that includes IP addresses for edge devices, which are then advertised to establish VPN adjacencies and create a fully meshed overlay network, even in unicast or source-specific multicast core networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional OTV mechanisms are used in non-ASM core networks, then overlay network establishment is possible, but manual configuration of IP addresses is required and automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the OTV edge device acting as a rendezvous point) that automatically distributes IP addresses between remote sites. This intermediary receives IP address information from one site and propagates it to all other sites, eliminating the need for manual configuration at each endpoint while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing edge devices to automatically discover and exchange IP address information without external intervention. The rendezvous point mechanism allows sites to autonomously populate their own routing tables and establish adjacencies through automated protocol exchanges, making the system self-configuring.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of IP addresses is used, then connectivity can be established, but the complexity of configuration and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rendezvous point serves as a central intermediary that simplifies the configuration process by centralizing IP address distribution. Instead of each device needing complex manual configuration, the intermediary automatically manages the exchange of routing information, reducing configuration complexity while ensuring reliable connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from static manual configuration to dynamic automated distribution. IP addresses and routing information are automatically updated and propagated through the network, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining reliable connectivity through automated parameter management.
3Extent of automation
If edge devices are made aware of each other's IP addresses automatically, then fully meshed overlay network is achieved, but the need for centralized coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coordination function by designating a specific edge device as the rendezvous point. This segmentation concentrates the coordination complexity in a single device rather than requiring distributed coordination among all devices, enabling automatic IP address awareness while managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the coordination function into a single rendezvous point device that handles all IP address distribution and routing information exchange. By combining these coordination tasks in one location, the system achieves automatic IP address awareness across all edge devices without requiring complex distributed coordination mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and instructions encoded on computer readable medium are provided herein for creation of an overlay network on a non-multicast or source specific multicast (SSM) core. In one example, virtual private network (VPN) adjacencies are established between an adjacency server and one or more edge devices each located at different network sites. A unicast replication list is then generated at the adjacency server. The unicast replication list includes the Internet Protocol addresses for each of the edge devices having VPN adjacencies with the adjacency server. The unicast replication list is then advertised to each of the edge devices for use in establishing VPN adjacencies with one another.