Dynamic WAN Optimizer Discovery via Network Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networks face challenges in optimizing Wide Area Network (WAN) traffic due to high packet loss, latency, and low bandwidth, requiring manual configuration of static routes which becomes unmanageable in complex enterprise networks, and struggles with asymmetric routing and security appliance compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic discovery and integration of symmetric WAN optimizers across a WAN fabric or overlay network by network controllers, which register and authenticate WAN edge routers and optimizers, evaluate capacity, and establish optimized connections, enabling auto-discovery and routing without altering packet headers or relying on TCP options, and provision security appliances as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of static routes is used to optimize WAN traffic, then network performance can be improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate as networks scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic discovery and selection of WAN optimizers through controller-mediated negotiation between edge routers and optimizers. The system self-configures optimization paths without manual intervention, with controllers dynamically discovering optimizers, evaluating their capacity, and establishing connections based on real-time network conditions and optimizer capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-registers and authenticates WAN optimizers with controllers before actual traffic optimization begins. Controllers maintain updated information about optimizer capacity and capabilities in advance, enabling rapid automatic routing decisions when optimization is needed without real-time configuration delays.
2Productivity
If more WAN optimizers are deployed to handle complex enterprise networks, then network performance improves, but ease of operation worsens due to increased manual configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple WAN optimizers automatically register themselves with controllers and enable capacity evaluation. The system autonomously discovers available optimizers, assesses their capabilities through structured negotiations, and dynamically assigns traffic flows without requiring manual configuration of each optimizer or route.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic discovery and selection of WAN optimizers based on real-time capacity evaluation and network conditions. The system continuously monitors optimizer availability and performance, automatically adapting routing decisions to utilize the most appropriate optimizers without static pre-configuration.
3Reliability
If symmetric WAN optimizers are used to optimize traffic, then network performance improves, but compatibility with security appliances deteriorates due to asymmetric routing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the control plane (controller-to-optimizer communication) while maintaining symmetry in the data plane (traffic flow through optimizers). The controller mediates capacity evaluation and connection establishment asymmetrically, but once connections are established, traffic flows symmetrically through paired optimizers, ensuring compatibility with security appliances that expect consistent routing behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controller can register WAN edge routers and WAN optimizers distributed across a WAN. The controller can receive a request to establish a WAN optimized connection between first and second hosts. The controller can identify a first WAN optimizer to perform first services (e.g., de-duplication, compression, application acceleration, caching, etc.) for first traffic from the first host to the second host and first complementary services for second traffic from the second host to the first host, and a second WAN optimizer for the second traffic and second complementary services for the first traffic. The controller can establish the optimized connection comprising a first path including the first host, WAN optimizer, and router; a second path including the first router and a second router, and a third path including the second router, WAN optimizer, and host. The controller can route the first and second traffic through the optimized connection.