AI WAN Link Selection to Prevent SD-WAN Thrashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD-WAN systems often switch between WAN links based on immediate-term network conditions, leading to thrashing and significant overhead due to frequent changes in network instability, without considering the stability of links over time.
Innovation Solution
Implement a network analysis system using machine learning to predict WAN link stability based on past and current conditions, allowing for informed decisions on when to reassigned applications to more stable links, minimizing unnecessary switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SD-WAN systems switch between WAN links based on immediate-term network conditions, then network performance can be optimized for current conditions, but system overhead increases significantly due to frequent link switching and thrashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using machine learning models to predict future WAN link stability before actual performance degradation occurs. The system analyzes historical and current link characteristics to forecast stability metrics, allowing the SD-WAN controller to proactively maintain applications on currently stable links even if immediate conditions suggest switching. This prevents the thrashing effect of frequent switches by acting in advance based on predicted future states rather than reacting to current degradation.
2Reliability
If SD-WAN systems frequently switch WAN links in response to network instability, then link reliability can be improved, but system stability deteriorates due to thrashing and excessive switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring WAN link characteristics and feeding this data into machine learning models that predict future stability. The system uses historical performance data, current link metrics, and predicted future states to make informed decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between transient instability and sustained degradation, switching links only when predictions indicate prolonged instability, thereby maintaining system stability while still improving link reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If SD-WAN systems use traditional threshold-based link selection, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from static threshold-based link selection to dynamic machine learning models that continuously adapt to varying network conditions. The system collects and analyzes multiple parameters including historical link performance, current network metrics, and predicted stability indicators. These models automatically adjust their predictions based on changing patterns in the data, enabling the system to adapt to diverse and evolving network conditions while maintaining a unified implementation framework that builds upon existing SD-WAN architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving, by a software-defined networking in a wide area network (SD-WAN) system having a first WAN link and a second WAN link for an SD-WAN service, WAN link characterization data for the first WAN link over a time period; determining, by the SD-WAN system based on processing the WAN link characterization data for the first WAN link using a machine learning model trained with historical WAN link characterization data for one or more WAN links, an indicator of a predicted performance metric of the first WAN link at a future time; and reassigning, by the SD-WAN system based on the indicator, an application from the first WAN link to the second WAN link.


