Aggregated Tunnel Data Transmission for Multi-WAN Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-WAN site-to-site VPN connections, a single download session can only utilize the bandwidth of one tunnel, leading to reduced throughput due to unpredictable packet transmission quality and high packet drop rates, even with high bandwidth tunnels.
Innovation Solution
The system processes data packets by selecting multiple tunnels based on performance criteria and transmits original and duplicate encapsulating packets through different tunnels, using global sequence numbers to ensure data integrity and reassembly, thereby optimizing throughput across aggregated connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single tunnel is used for data transmission, then the system complexity is low, but the throughput is limited and packet drop rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data transmission path by dividing it into multiple independent tunnels. Each tunnel operates separately with its own routing and error characteristics, allowing data to be transmitted through multiple parallel paths rather than a single path, thereby increasing throughput and reducing the impact of packet drops in any single tunnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple tunnels into an aggregated connection that functions as a unified transmission channel. By combining the bandwidth and reliability of multiple tunnels while maintaining their individual characteristics, the system achieves higher overall throughput and better packet delivery rates without requiring a completely new transmission infrastructure.
2Productivity
If multiple tunnels are used for data transmission, then the throughput increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates M×N tunnels between M WAN connections at site A and N WAN connections at site B, where each tunnel can serve multiple purposes including primary data transmission, backup transmission, and load balancing. This multi-functional approach allows the same tunnel infrastructure to handle various transmission requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits duplicate packets through multiple tunnels simultaneously. By creating copies of the same data packets and sending them through different tunnels, the system ensures that at least one copy will arrive successfully even if some tunnels experience packet drops, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex error correction mechanisms.
3Reliability
If duplicate packets are transmitted through multiple tunnels, then the probability of successful transmission increases, but the loss of information increases due to potential duplicates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving end monitors incoming packets from multiple tunnels and identifies duplicates based on packet identifiers. When duplicates are detected, the receiver sends feedback signals to the transmitter to stop sending redundant copies, thereby maintaining high transmission reliability while minimizing unnecessary data redundancy and optimizing bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods and systems for processing data packets received at a first network node and for processing encapsulating packets received at a second network node. The first network node receives data packets from its network interface. It then selects a first tunnel and selects none or at least one second tunnel according to a selection policy. Original encapsulating packets (OEPs) are transmitted to a second network node through the first tunnel and at least one duplicate encapsulating packet (DEP) is transmitted through the at least one second tunnel. The second network node receives an encapsulating packet with a global sequence number (GSN) through an aggregated connection. The second network node determines whether one or more data packets corresponding to the encapsulating packet have been received earlier. The second network node may then determine whether or not to forward the one or more data packets.