Dynamic Tunnel Assignment Across Broadcast Groups to Curb Overlay Flooding

Solution Overview

Problem

In network environments with Layer 2 overlay networks spanning across Layer 3 networks, broadcast packets often flood the network, overburdening resources and leading to performance issues and network outages due to inefficient tunnel assignments, particularly when subsets of VTEPs are not connected to relevant hosts.

Innovation Solution

A broadcast broker dynamically assigns tunnels to broadcast groups based on various factors, including response packets and machine learning models, to prevent unnecessary forwarding of broadcast packets, thereby optimizing network resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If broadcast packets are forwarded to all tunnels in overlay networks, then all VTEPs receive broadcast traffic, but network resources are overburdened and performance degrades due to flooding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadcast packet deliveryVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overlay network into multiple broadcast groups, where each broadcast group contains a subset of tunnels. Instead of forwarding broadcast packets to all tunnels universally, the system divides tunnels into groups (e.g., first broadcast group, second broadcast group) and selectively forwards packets only to relevant groups based on the packet type and destination, thereby reducing unnecessary network flooding while ensuring reliable delivery to intended recipients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic assignment of tunnels to broadcast groups based on real-time network conditions, packet characteristics, and learned host connectivity patterns. The broadcast broker continuously monitors network operations and adjusts tunnel-group assignments dynamically, transitioning tunnels between broadcast groups as needed to optimize resource usage while maintaining reliable broadcast delivery to active hosts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If broadcast packets are forwarded to all tunnels, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but network resources are wasted on unconnected VTEPs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadcast packet deliveryVSAvoidnetwork resource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overlay network into multiple broadcast groups, where each broadcast group contains a subset of tunnels. Instead of forwarding broadcast packets to all tunnels universally, the system divides tunnels into groups (e.g., first broadcast group, second broadcast group) and selectively forwards packets only to relevant groups based on the packet type and destination, thereby reducing unnecessary network flooding while ensuring reliable delivery to intended recipients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a learning mechanism where the broadcast broker monitors network operations and automatically learns which VTEPs are connected to which hosts. This self-learning capability enables the system to autonomously determine optimal broadcast group assignments without manual configuration, dynamically adjusting tunnel assignments to match actual network topology and host connectivity patterns, thereby eliminating resource wastage on unconnected VTEPs while maintaining reliable delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If static tunnel assignments are used, then configuration is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassignment managementVSAvoidnetwork adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic assignment of tunnels to broadcast groups based on real-time network conditions, packet characteristics, and learned host connectivity patterns. The broadcast broker continuously monitors network operations and adjusts tunnel-group assignments dynamically, transitioning tunnels between broadcast groups as needed to optimize resource usage while maintaining reliable broadcast delivery to active hosts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the broadcast broker continuously monitors network operations, packet delivery outcomes, and host connectivity patterns. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts tunnel assignments to broadcast groups, refining its understanding of network topology and optimizing broadcast routing over time. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12432092B2Dynamic assignments of tunnels to broadcast groups

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

In some examples, a system dynamically assigns, based on one or more factors, tunnels of an underlay and overlay network to a plurality of broadcast groups, where the one or more factors include a factor relating to an operation in the underlay and overlay network, and where the dynamic assignment of the tunnels to the plurality of broadcast groups includes modifying an assignment of a first tunnel from a first broadcast group to a second broadcast group of the plurality of broadcast groups.