Dynamic Tunnel Endpoint Selection for Network Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computer networks, connecting multiple client devices to a single predefined network device can lead to increased processing load and failure risks, as well as transmission delays and packet drops due to increased hops for traffic flow.

Innovation Solution

Dynamically selecting separate tunnel endpoints for each client device based on client type, port information, resource availability, and location of network devices, ensuring that traffic is routed through the nearest network device to the destination server, thereby reducing processing load and hops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple client devices are connected to a single predefined network device, then network connectivity is simplified and easier to manage, but processing load on the network device increases and failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management simplicityVSAvoidnetwork device failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network traffic handling by creating multiple tunnel endpoints (network devices) instead of using a single predefined device. Each client device is dynamically assigned to a specific tunnel endpoint, segmenting the processing load across multiple devices. This reduces the burden on any single device and eliminates single points of failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If multiple client devices are connected to a single predefined network device, then network configuration is simplified, but transmission delays and packet drops increase due to increased hops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration complexityVSAvoidtransmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of tunnel endpoints based on real-time conditions such as resource availability, location, and client type. Instead of a static single-device configuration, the system dynamically determines the optimal network device for each client device, reducing transmission hops and delays while adapting to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a single predefined network device is used as tunnel endpoint, then network setup is simpler, but processing load on that device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setup simplicityVSAvoidprocessing load on network device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple network devices into a collaborative tunnel endpoint system. Instead of one device handling all processing, multiple devices work together as distributed tunnel endpoints, each handling specific client devices. This distributes the processing load while maintaining simplified network setup through automated dynamic selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11805103B2Dynamic selection of tunnel endpoints

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Examples of dynamically selecting tunnel endpoints are described. In an example, a request for authenticating a client device connected to an edge device via a wired link is received. The request includes information indicative of a port of the edge device at which the client device is connected and a type of the client device. Based on at least one of the port, the type, resource availability of a plurality of network devices, and location of the plurality of network devices, a network device is identified as a tunnel endpoint. A message indicative of a successful authentication of the client device is sent to the edge device. The message includes a network address of the network device identified as the tunnel endpoint.