Dynamic Tunnel Provisioning for Network Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network provisioning methods consume resources even when tunnels are not in use, negatively impact network scaling, and are cost-prohibitive due to pre-configured static tunnels.

Innovation Solution

The methods and systems described provision one or more network devices and validate their availability by dynamically configuring communication tunnels, such as GRE or soft GRE tunnels, between access points and available gateway endpoints, ensuring network traffic continuity even in case of device or path failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static tunnels are pre-configured for each access point, then network traffic can be routed reliably, but network resources are consumed even when tunnels are not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork traffic routing reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static pre-configured tunnels to dynamic tunnel establishment. Tunnels are created on-demand when access points need to communicate with network devices, and torn down when no longer needed. This dynamic approach maintains routing reliability when tunnels are active while eliminating resource consumption when they are not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic availability checks and tunnel validation. Instead of maintaining continuous static tunnels, the system periodically verifies tunnel endpoint availability and re-establishes tunnels as needed, reducing resource consumption while maintaining network connectivity reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If static tunnels are pre-configured for each access point, then network connectivity is ensured, but network scaling is negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidnetwork scaling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic tunnel establishment allows the network to scale flexibly. New access points can join the network without pre-configuration, and tunnels are created automatically when needed. This eliminates the scaling limitations of static pre-configured tunnels while maintaining connectivity reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables access points to self-configure and establish tunnels autonomously without requiring manual pre-configuration. This self-service capability facilitates network scaling by allowing new devices to integrate automatically, improving adaptability while maintaining connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If static tunnels are pre-configured for each access point, then network traffic can be transmitted reliably, but implementation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork traffic transmissionVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts a disposable tunnel approach where tunnels are created temporarily on-demand and torn down after use. This eliminates the need for expensive permanent pre-configuration infrastructure while maintaining reliable traffic transmission during active periods, significantly reducing implementation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic tunnel validation and re-establishment instead of continuous expensive pre-configured tunnels. Tunnels are created, validated, and reused only when needed, reducing implementation costs while maintaining transmission reliability through periodic availability checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If availability validation is performed continuously, then network device availability is ensured, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork device availabilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic availability validation rather than continuous checking. Tunnels are validated at scheduled intervals and re-established only when necessary, ensuring network device availability while minimizing processing overhead by avoiding constant validation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250158925A1Network validation with dynamic tunneling

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for provisioning and validating a network are disclosed. One method can comprise providing a first communication tunnel between a network access point and a first tunnel endpoint. Availability of the first tunnel endpoint can be determined. If the first tunnel endpoint is determined to be available, network traffic can be routed to the first tunnel endpoint. If the first tunnel endpoint is determined to be unavailable, a second communication tunnel between the network access point and a second tunnel endpoint can be provided.