Dedicated VLAN for Switch Peer-to-Peer Traffic Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD-WAN solutions do not effectively manage peer-to-peer traffic to achieve optimal throughput and latency in branch deployments, particularly in scenarios where redundancy and load balancing are critical.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dedicated virtual local area network (VLAN) for peer-to-peer traffic between branch gateway controller peers, using a direct inter-switch link to bypass traditional routing paths and ensure low latency and high throughput by configuring specific VLANs and headers for traffic transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional routing paths are used for peer-to-peer traffic between branch gateway controller peers, then traffic can be transmitted through standard network infrastructure, but latency increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different types (peer-to-peer traffic versus other traffic) and routes them through different paths. A dedicated VLAN is created specifically for peer-to-peer traffic between gateway controller peers, separating it from general network traffic. This segmentation allows optimized routing for specific traffic types, achieving lower latency and higher throughput for peer-to-peer communications while maintaining standard routing for other traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated VLAN as an intermediary layer between source and destination gateway controller peers. This VLAN acts as a specialized communication channel that mediates peer-to-peer traffic, providing a direct path that bypasses traditional routing infrastructure. The VLAN serves as a mediator that enables efficient direct communication while maintaining network management control.
2Speed
If a dedicated inter-switch link is implemented for peer-to-peer traffic, then latency is reduced and throughput is increased, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated VLAN configured for peer-to-peer traffic serves multiple functions: it provides direct communication between gateway controller peers, maintains redundancy capabilities, and integrates with existing network management structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate dedicated infrastructure, as the same VLAN infrastructure can handle both peer-to-peer optimization and general network management tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dedicated peer-to-peer communication path with the existing network infrastructure by using VLAN technology. Instead of creating physically separate networks, the solution combines optimized peer-to-peer routing with standard network switches and management systems. This merging approach achieves performance benefits while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate infrastructure.
3Productivity
If peer-to-peer traffic is routed through standard network paths, then network infrastructure can be utilized efficiently, but traffic does not achieve optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by creating a specialized VLAN with specific properties tailored for peer-to-peer traffic between gateway controllers. This VLAN has dedicated characteristics (direct routing, prioritized handling) that are locally optimized for this specific traffic type, while other network areas continue to use standard routing. This localized optimization achieves high throughput for peer-to-peer traffic without requiring global network redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example method includes: defining, by a network device, a source virtual local area network (VLAN), wherein the source VLAN is common for at least a first switch and a second switch, and wherein the source VLAN is dedicated to a particular link between the first switch and the second switch; and using an Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the defined source VLAN as a source address for peer-to-peer traffic transmitted between the first switch and the second switch, wherein no peer-to-peer traffic between the first switch and the second switch is transmitted over a link other than the particular link.