Data Mirroring via Unidirectional Tunnels in Primary Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data mirroring techniques in computer networks require additional hardware and software, as well as significant setup and configuration time, due to the need for a parallel network to avoid congestion and performance issues on the primary network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing unidirectional transport tunnels within the primary network to mirror data packets from a monitored node to a mirror destination without using a parallel network, utilizing service distribution points and service access points to configure services independently of transport tunnels, and employing mirroring and forwarding engines to identify and forward mirror packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parallel network is used for data mirroring, then network congestion and performance issues on the primary network are avoided, but additional hardware and software requirements increase and setup configuration time becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data mirroring function with the existing primary network infrastructure by using unidirectional transport tunnels within the primary network itself, eliminating the need for a separate parallel network. This combines multiple functions (data forwarding and data mirroring) into a single network infrastructure, reducing hardware and software requirements while maintaining network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary network is designed to serve multiple functions: it handles both normal data traffic and mirrored data traffic through different transport tunnels. The service distribution points and service access points enable the network to perform both data forwarding and data mirroring operations, making the network infrastructure universal and reducing the need for dedicated parallel network hardware.
2Reliability
If a parallel network is deployed for data mirroring, then mirror packets do not cause congestion on the primary network, but significant time and labor are required for setup and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of unidirectional transport tunnels and service distribution points during network provisioning. By pre-configuring the mirroring infrastructure as part of the primary network setup, the complex setup and configuration tasks are performed in advance, reducing the time and labor required when actually deploying data mirroring functionality.
3Device complexity
If the primary network is used for data mirroring, then hardware and software requirements are reduced, but potential congestion and performance interference with non-mirror data may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data traffic into different types (mirror packets and non-mirror packets) and routes them through different transport tunnels within the primary network. Service distribution points selectively forward mirror packets through dedicated transport tunnels, separating them from normal data traffic paths. This segmentation allows the primary network to handle both mirroring and data forwarding functions without causing congestion or performance interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Data mirroring in a service such as a virtual private LAN service is disclosed. Data packets, segments, frames, or other forms of encapsulation may be mirrored off of a core network (e.g., IP, TCP) to one or more mirroring destinations without using a parallel network. Encapsulation techniques are provided that enable packets to be mirrored and transmitted across services such as VPLS, MPLS, and others to a mirror destination. Once received at the mirror destination, mirrored packets may be used for troubleshooting in a more efficient and less resource and time-consuming manner.