Hybrid Overlay Underlay Path Selection in SD-WAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SD-WAN architectures require a two-step process to control the selection of underlay paths within an overlay domain, limiting their ability to fully control both overlay and underlay paths simultaneously and lacking full knowledge of underlay paths during path selection.
Innovation Solution
Exposing underlay paths to a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) architecture and generating individual SD-WAN sessions for individual underlay paths, allowing for hybrid control over overlay and underlay path selection by incorporating both paths into the SD-WAN path selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-step process is used to select overlay path then configure underlay path policy in core network, then overlay path selection can be controlled, but underlay path selection control is limited and SD-WAN lacks full knowledge of underlay paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges overlay path selection and underlay path selection into a single integrated process. The SD-WAN controller receives underlay path information from the overlay network domain and combines it with overlay path selection criteria to make unified path selection decisions, eliminating the need for separate two-step configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the SD-WAN controller proactively receive and process underlay path information before final path selection is made. The controller pre-configures underlay path policies based on received underlay path data, enabling informed decision-making during the path selection process rather than reacting after the fact.
2Reliability
If underlay path information is not exposed to SD-WAN architecture, then core network can maintain its own traffic engineering control, but SD-WAN cannot make informed policy decisions about underlay paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the overlay network domain acts as a mediator between the core network and SD-WAN controller. The overlay network provides underlay path information to the SD-WAN controller through standardized interfaces, enabling information sharing without requiring direct exposure of core network infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual SD-WAN sessions are generated for individual underlay paths, then hybrid control over overlay and underlay paths is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating individual SD-WAN sessions for each underlay path while maintaining a structured hierarchical approach. Each session is independently managed but follows a unified control framework, allowing fine-grained control over specific underlay paths without overwhelming complexity in the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for achieving hybrid control over overlay and underlay path selection by integrating underlay path identities into software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) sessions to create individual SD-WAN sessions for each underlay path. The techniques may include receiving first path identification data associated with an underlay path of an overlay network domain that is disposed between a first edge node and a second edge node of an SD-WAN system. Based on the first path identification data, an SD-WAN session may be generated that is to utilize the underlay path for sending traffic through the overlay network domain. In some examples, the underlay path may be mapped to the SD-WAN session and the SD-WAN session may be bound to a data plane output forwarding chain associated with the underlay path such that the traffic sent over the SD-WAN session traverses the underlay path of the overlay network domain.