Network Access Controller Load Balancing via Packet Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network access controller systems face challenges in dynamically managing client device distribution across multiple controllers, leading to potential network service disruptions due to overload or underutilization, especially when controllers fail or are taken offline for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a packet forwarding component that dynamically distributes client devices across available network access controllers based on load balancing algorithms, allowing new controllers to be added or existing ones to be removed, thereby maintaining efficient network resource utilization and preventing service disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network access controllers are statically configured to service specific access points, then network policy handling is simplified, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to controller failures or load changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adaptation to controller failuresVSAvoidcontroller configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of network access controllers by introducing a controller discovery mechanism that allows access points to automatically detect and switch to alternative controllers when primary controllers fail or are taken offline. This dynamic adaptation is achieved through periodic discovery protocols and automated failover procedures, eliminating the need for static configurations while maintaining policy handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where access points continuously monitor controller availability and performance. When a controller is detected as unavailable or overloaded, the feedback loop triggers automatic redistribution of client devices to healthier controllers. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptation to network conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If more network access controllers are deployed to handle increased client devices, then network capacity is improved, but resource utilization becomes inefficient without load balancing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidcontroller resource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service load balancing where access points autonomously perform client device redistribution based on controller health status and capacity. Each access point monitors its own workload and automatically shifts clients to underutilized controllers without external management intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures efficient resource utilization across the controller fleet while maintaining high network capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters of network access controllers by adjusting client device assignments based on real-time metrics such as processor utilization, memory availability, and connection capacity. This parameter-driven redistribution optimizes resource allocation across controllers, ensuring that adding more controllers increases capacity while maintaining efficient utilization through data-driven decision making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If network access controllers are taken offline for maintenance, then system reliability is improved, but client device access is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller maintenance reliabilityVSAvoidservice disruption duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having access points continuously discover and map alternative controllers before the primary controller fails. When maintenance is initiated, the pre-established redundancy architecture allows immediate failover to backup controllers without service disruption. This advance preparation of backup configurations and automatic failover mechanisms eliminates downtime while maintaining reliable access during controller maintenance periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11178053B2Network systems and architecture for scaling access networks with network access controller

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 FRONTIIR PTE LTD

AI summary

Network architecture with network access controllers. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a packet from a client device via an ingress network interface, wherein the packet comprises a first medium access control (MAC) address indicating a default network access controller. The method also includes identifying a source MAC address of the packet, wherein the source MAC address indicates a second MAC address of the client device. The method further includes identifying a second network access controller based on the source MAC address. The method further includes updating, by a packet forwarding component, a destination MAC address to indicate a third MAC address of the second network access controller. The method further includes forwarding the packet to the second network access controller via an egress network interface.