IPsec Tunnel Selection via QoS Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IPsec tunnel management systems lack the ability to dynamically select the best communication channel based on quality of service (QoS) metrics, leading to potential network outages and traffic loss due to static routing, which fails to switch between multiple IPsec tunnels effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method where endpoint devices assign and compare metrics for multiple IPsec tunnels established through different network paths and ISPs, selecting the tunnel with the best QoS for data transmission, and re-evaluating and re-ranking tunnels based on changing network conditions to ensure optimal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static routing is used for IPsec tunnel management, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to switch between multiple tunnels during network outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tunnel selection by continuously monitoring QoS metrics (bandwidth, latency, packet loss) for multiple IPsec tunnels and automatically switching between them based on current network conditions. This transforms the static routing configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to changing network states, resolving the contradiction between simplified management and improved reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring QoS parameters for each available tunnel and using this information to make intelligent routing decisions. The feedback loop monitors tunnel performance and triggers automatic failover when degradation is detected, enabling the system to maintain high reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple IPsec tunnels are established for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of automatic selection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network system to self-manage tunnel selection by automatically evaluating QoS metrics and selecting the optimal tunnel without human intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis of tunnel health and self-adjusts routing decisions, eliminating the operational complexity of manually managing multiple tunnels while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes routing parameters based on QoS metric evaluations. By monitoring parameters such as bandwidth availability, latency, and packet loss, the system automatically adjusts which tunnel is active, transforming the static configuration into an adaptive system that simplifies operation while preserving redundancy benefits.
3Productivity
If QoS metrics are continuously monitored for tunnel selection, then productivity is improved through optimal path selection, but use of energy increases due to continuous measurement and re-evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic QoS monitoring at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous measurement. The system evaluates tunnel metrics at scheduled times and triggers re-evaluation only when performance thresholds are breached or network conditions change significantly. This periodic approach maintains transmission efficiency while substantially reducing the energy consumption associated with constant monitoring and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a first endpoint device may assign a first metric to a first Internet Protocol security (IPsec) tunnel and a second metric to a second IPsec tunnel. The first IPsec tunnel may be a first communication channel for transmitting data between the first endpoint device and a second endpoint device, and the second IPsec tunnel may be a second communication channel for transmitting the data between the first endpoint device and the second endpoint device. The first endpoint device may select, based on the first metric and the second metric, the first IPsec tunnel or the second IPsec tunnel as a selected IPsec tunnel for transmitting the data toward the second endpoint device. The first endpoint device may transmit the data toward the second endpoint device via the selected IPsec tunnel.