Multi-Cloud VPC Routing via Virtual Routing Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current VPC routing across multiple public cloud providers lacks a unified solution, leading to costly and complex configurations, limited visibility of workload communication patterns, and inefficient automation due to different cloud provider rules and policies, resulting in high operational expenses and lack of comprehensive performance measurement.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Virtual Routing Agent (VRA) and VRA controller that enables overlay routing across multiple public clouds by registering communication parameters and constructing an overlay network, reducing dependence on cloud provider infrastructure and services, and providing visibility into workload communication patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cloud provider virtual gateway and infrastructure services are used for VPC routing, then routing functionality is provided, but customer costs increase and configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVPC routing configurationVSAvoidcloud provider infrastructure dependence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Virtual Routing Agent (VRA) as an intermediary component that mediates between VPC workloads and cloud provider infrastructure. The VRA runs within the customer's VPC and handles routing decisions locally, reducing dependence on cloud provider virtual gateways and infrastructure services. This intermediary approach simplifies configuration by eliminating the need for complex cloud provider-specific routing setups while maintaining routing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The VRA enables customers to manage their own VPC routing independently without relying on cloud provider infrastructure services. By implementing routing logic within the customer's own virtualized environment, the system allows self-service routing management, reducing both operational complexity and costs associated with cloud provider-managed routing services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If cloud provider virtual gateway services are used for VPC routing, then routing is enabled, but visibility of workload communication patterns is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkload communication visibilityVSAvoidrouting management
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The VRA implements feedback mechanisms that capture and report workload communication patterns back to the customer's management system. By monitoring routing decisions and communication flows within the VPC, the VRA provides visibility into workload interactions, enabling customers to analyze communication patterns, optimize routing policies, and gain insights into application behavior without sacrificing routing management simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If cloud provider infrastructure services are used for VPC routing, then routing functionality is provided, but automation efficiency is reduced due to different cloud provider rules and policies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting automationVSAvoidmulti-cloud compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The VRA is designed as a universal routing solution that can operate across multiple cloud providers without being tied to any specific cloud provider's infrastructure services. By implementing routing logic that is independent of cloud provider-specific rules and policies, the VRA provides consistent automation capabilities across different cloud environments, enhancing both automation efficiency and multi-cloud adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3747167B1Multi-cloud VPC routing and registration
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3747167B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747167B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747167B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for performing virtual private cloud (VPC) routing across multiple public cloud environments. In an embodiment, the method creates a first virtual routing agent (VRA) for a first VPC of a first public cloud. The method sends a registration request to a VRA controller, wherein the registration request comprises a data structure that includes communication parameters of the first VRA. The method receives the communication parameters of other VRAs for other VPCs located in other public cloud environments from the VRA controller. The method uses the communication parameters of the other VRAs for overlay routing of data packets from the first VPC of the first public cloud to other VPCs of other public clouds via the other VRAs of the other VPCs.