Edge Router Service Chain Ordering for SD-WAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SD-WAN systems lack an efficient method to optimize the order of service chain elements for data packets, which affects the performance and configuration of services such as firewalls, data compression, and intrusion detection across different branches of an SD-WAN network.
Innovation Solution
An edge router determines and modifies the sequence order of service chain elements to prioritize altering services that modify the payload before other inspection services, allowing for optimized transmission and reception of data packets through the service chain elements before reaching the destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the established sequence of service chain elements is maintained, then the configuration simplicity is preserved, but the processing performance and efficiency are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service chain sequencing where the order of service elements is not fixed but adapts based on packet characteristics, service types, and network conditions. The controller dynamically determines the optimal sequence for altering services versus inspection services, allowing the system to optimize processing efficiency without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated service chain optimization where the controller automatically analyzes service requirements and reorders elements without human intervention. The altering services self-identify and position themselves before inspection services in the sequence, allowing the network to self-optimize performance while maintaining configuration simplicity.
2Productivity
If altering services are performed before inspection services, then the processing efficiency is improved, but the configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary that manages service chain sequencing. This controller acts as a mediator between service providers and the network infrastructure, automatically determining the optimal order of services. Providers declare their service types (altering or inspection), and the controller orchestrates the sequence, eliminating the need for manual configuration while achieving performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Services automatically declare their type (altering or inspection) and the system self-organizes them in the optimal sequence. The altering services self-position before inspection services without human intervention, allowing the system to maintain ease of operation while improving processing throughput through automated service chain optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, methods, computer readable medium, and circuits for ordering services in a service chain comprising: receiving, at an edge router, one or more data packets; determining, at the edge router, a sequence order of service chain elements for the one or more data packets based upon an established sequence, the sequence order modifies the established sequence to performing an altering service that alters a payload of the one or more packets prior to one or more remaining services that inspect the one or more packets; transmitting and receiving, by the edge router in the sequence order, the one or more data packets to and from the service chain elements; transmitting, by the edge router, the one more data packets to a destination after a last of the service chain elements has been performed.