Edge Cloud Path Orchestration via Unicast BGP Prefixes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide area networks (WANs) face limitations in controlling routing decisions between a partner network and the WAN, especially when accessing cloud services, due to lack of information about Internet routing paths and limited selection options for traffic paths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and method that advertises unicast Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) address prefixes for multiple front-end devices within the WAN, allowing the WAN to select optimal paths for service traffic and export routing rules to partner network agents, enabling greater control over traffic routing and improving connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the WAN uses traditional routing control methods, then the routing decisions are made automatically by ISPs, but the WAN has no control over the selected paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by measuring path characteristics (latency, loss, jitter) and using this information to dynamically select optimal paths. The WAN operator receives feedback about actual path performance and adjusts routing decisions accordingly, ensuring reliable path selection based on real network conditions rather than static ISP decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing control mechanism that sits between the WAN and ISPs. By advertising unicast BGP prefixes for specific front-end devices and using measurement data, the system acts as a mediator to influence path selection without direct control over ISP routing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the WAN advertises multiple unicast BGP prefixes for different front-end devices, then path selection control is improved, but the complexity of routing management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the WAN's front-end presence into multiple distinct unicast BGP prefixes, each associated with specific front-end devices. This segmentation allows independent control and measurement of different path segments, providing flexibility in path selection while managing complexity through structured organization of routing information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes routing parameters by advertising multiple unicast prefixes instead of a single anycast prefix. This parameter change enables differentiated path selection based on measured characteristics, increasing adaptability while the automated measurement and selection process manages the inherent complexity
3Reliability
If the WAN selects optimal paths based on measurements, then service quality is improved, but the time and resources required for path measurement and selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary path measurements and characterizations before actual service traffic flows. By pre-measuring and storing path characteristics (latency, loss, jitter) for different front-end devices and ISPs, the WAN can quickly select optimal paths without performing measurements in real-time, reducing time loss while maintaining high service quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial measurement by focusing measurements on critical path characteristics and key front-end devices rather than exhaustively measuring all possible paths. This selective measurement approach achieves sufficient service quality assurance without the excessive time and resource investment of complete path analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to communications between a partner network and a wide area network (WAN) via the Internet. Although Internet service providers may act as autonomous systems, the WAN may control routing from the partner network by advertising unicast border gateway protocol (BGP) address prefixes for a plurality of front-end devices in the WAN. An agent in the partner network measures a plurality of paths to a service within the WAN. Each of the plurality of paths is associated with one of the plurality of front-end devices and a respective unicast BGP address prefix. The WAN selects a path within the WAN for the service. The WAN exports a routing rule to the agent. The agent forwards data packets for the service to the respective BGP address prefix via the Internet. The WAN receives data packets for the service of the partner network at the selected device.