Dynamic Service Chaining for Network Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service chaining methods in communication networks are cost-prohibitive and inefficient due to the need for expensive antivirus scanner devices to route all data traffic, which is not economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A network traffic management system that dynamically chains services based on analysis of server responses, allowing only necessary services to be applied, using a service chaining device that evaluates client requests and modifies server responses accordingly, enabling seamless chaining of multiple services without visible side effects like redirects or duplicate requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all data traffic is routed through antivirus scanner devices, then network security is improved, but cost and efficiency deteriorate due to expensive hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, dedicated antivirus scanner devices with software-based virtual network functions that can be deployed on commodity hardware. The service chaining mechanism dynamically inserts virtual security services only when needed, eliminating the need for costly permanent hardware appliances while maintaining security effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal service chaining framework where a single network traffic management system can dynamically chain multiple different services (security, caching, load balancing, etc.) based on traffic requirements. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized expensive devices with one versatile platform.
2Reliability
If all data traffic is routed through antivirus scanner devices, then virus detection capability is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary processing of clean traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service chaining where the network traffic management system continuously monitors traffic characteristics and dynamically inserts or removes security services based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach ensures that antivirus processing is applied only when actually needed, maximizing processing efficiency while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies antivirus scanning partially - only to specific traffic flows that require security processing rather than all traffic. The service chaining mechanism selectively chains security services to appropriate traffic based on policies, avoiding excessive processing of already-clean traffic while ensuring thorough scanning when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple services are chained together, then service functionality is improved, but system complexity increases with visible side effects like redirects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network traffic management system as an intermediary that transparently chains multiple services together. This mediator handles the complexity of service coordination, insertion, and removal, presenting a simple transparent interface to clients while orchestrating complex multi-service processing in the background without visible redirects or side effects.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, network traffic management apparatuses, and network traffic management systems that send a server response to a client request from a requesting client device to a service chaining device. A modified server response from the service chaining device is received based on a correlation of the server response to one or more service policies. A determination is made on whether the modified server response requires additional processing by one or more additional service chaining devices based on the modified server response. The processed server response is received from the one or more additional service chaining devices when the determination indicated processing was required. The processed server response is transmitted to the requesting client device.