Dynamic Path Selection Using Application Link Scores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network path selection methods in enterprise WANs, especially in software-defined environments, face challenges such as increased load from active monitoring, limited visibility in passive monitoring, and the need for adaptability in dynamic and complex networks, particularly when dealing with applications hosted outside the network like SaaS applications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves deriving an Application Link Score (ALS) based on performance metrics like latency, packet loss, and monetary cost, using a combination of active and passive monitoring at hub and branch nodes, to dynamically select the best path for routing application traffic, with mechanisms for path scoring and selection that adapt to changing network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If active monitoring is used to monitor network path performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to increased load on network infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance measurement precisionVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system dynamically adapts between active and passive monitoring modes based on network conditions and requirements. The path selection mechanism adjusts monitoring intensity and type in real-time, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while reducing infrastructure load when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes monitoring parameters by switching between active monitoring (for precise measurements) and passive monitoring (for lower load) based on current network conditions. Performance metrics such as latency, jitter, and packet loss are monitored with adjusted intensity depending on the situation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If passive monitoring is used to monitor network path performance, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring mechanism complexityVSAvoidperformance measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges active and passive monitoring approaches into a unified path selection mechanism. Passive monitoring provides baseline visibility with low complexity, while active monitoring supplements it for specific paths or conditions requiring higher measurement precision, achieving both goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If traditional path selection mechanisms are used in dynamic networks, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as networks become more dynamic and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath selection mechanism complexityVSAvoidadaptability to changing network conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The path selection mechanism is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, continuously adjusting to changing network conditions such as varying traffic patterns, link failures, and performance degradation. The system automatically reevaluates and selects optimal paths in real-time without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where performance monitoring data continuously informs path selection decisions. The path selection mechanism uses real-time performance metrics to adjust routing decisions, creating an adaptive system that responds to changing network conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If path selection is optimized for specific applications, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to application-specific monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication performanceVSAvoidmonitoring and path selection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The path selection mechanism is designed with universal applicability across multiple application types. Rather than implementing separate monitoring systems for each application, the system uses a unified approach that can accommodate different application requirements (latency-sensitive, throughput-sensitive, etc.) through configurable parameters and metrics, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10972387B2Application performance based path-selection using dynamic metrics

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 VERSA NETWORKS

AI summary

Embodiments herein disclose methods for selecting one or more paths for routing application traffic based on application performance metrics for hosted applications. In an embodiment, to select the best path, the available paths can be monitored to understand the performance of specific applications through those paths. Subsequently, the performance data is used to derive an application link score for any given combination of application and path, wherein the application link score is generated as a function of packet delay and packet loss. The ALS is then be used to determine the best path for a given application.