Dynamic GRE Tunnel Setup via Aggregation Gateway Group Addressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing GRE tunnel configurations require static IP address configuration, which is impractical for networks with multiple access networks and IP addresses, limiting the dynamic selection and utilization of network resources.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically setting up a GRE tunnel by an access device obtaining an address of an aggregation gateway group, encapsulating its own address in a GRE tunnel setup request, and configuring the aggregation gateway's address as the destination address, allowing dynamic interaction and resource utilization without static configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static IP address configuration is used for GRE tunnel, then tunnel establishment is simple, but adaptability to multiple access networks is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to multiple access networksVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static IP configuration approach into a dynamic one by introducing address assignment mechanisms (such as DHCP or address allocation from address pools) that automatically assign IP addresses to GRE tunnel interfaces based on the selected access network. This allows the tunnel configuration to adapt dynamically to different access networks without manual reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automatic address assignment and tunnel configuration. When an access network is selected, the device automatically obtains or assigns IP addresses for the GRE tunnel interface and configures the tunnel parameters without requiring manual intervention. This self-configuration capability enhances adaptability to multiple access networks while keeping the operation simple for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If static configuration is used for GRE tunnel, then configuration is simple, but dynamic selection of network resources cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic selection of network resources by allowing the GRE tunnel configuration to change based on the selected access network. The system can dynamically assign IP addresses from different address pools, select different routing paths, and adjust tunnel parameters according to the characteristics of the active access network, thereby improving network resource utilization efficiency while maintaining simple operation through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of the GRE tunnel configuration (such as source and destination IP addresses, tunnel interface parameters) based on the selected access network. This parameter adaptation allows the tunnel to optimize its performance and resource utilization for different network conditions while the automation of parameter changes keeps the operation simple for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple IP addresses are configured statically for aggregation, then network path selection is fixed, but flexibility in accessing different networks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in accessing different networksVSAvoidaddress configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic address configuration for aggregation by assigning IP addresses to the aggregation interface based on the selected access network rather than configuring multiple static addresses. The system can dynamically select and assign appropriate IP addresses from address pools associated with different access networks, providing flexibility in accessing different networks while simplifying the configuration process through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aggregation interface is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple access networks through a single interface configuration. Instead of requiring separate static configurations for each network, the universal aggregation interface can adaptively assign addresses and routes based on the active access network, providing flexibility across different networks while maintaining simple configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11032105B2Method for implementing GRE tunnel, home gateway and aggregation gateway
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US11032105B2 patent drawing
  • US11032105B2 patent drawing
  • US11032105B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a method for implementing a GRE tunnel, an access device obtains an address of an aggregation gateway group including at least one aggregation gateway. The access device sends a tunnel setup request to the aggregation gateway for setting up a GRE tunnel, and the request contains an address of the access device encapsulated by using the address of the aggregation gateway group as a destination address. The access device receives a tunnel setup accept response sent back by an aggregation gateway and obtains an address of the aggregation gateway from the response. The aggregation gateway belongs to the aggregation gateway group. The access device configures the address of the aggregation gateway as a network side destination address of the GRE tunnel.