Overlay Bridge Networking for Cross-Cloud Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers are restricted to using cloud services provided by a single cloud service provider's ecosystem, lacking an easy way to access services from different providers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for connecting a first cloud service provider's infrastructure to a second cloud service provider's infrastructure using an overlay bridge, forming a cloud network between compute resources, and providing services across providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud service providers maintain closed ecosystems, then service reliability and security are improved, but customer ability to access services from multiple providers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overlay bridge as an intermediary component that connects separate cloud provider infrastructures. This bridge enables customers to access services from multiple cloud providers while each provider maintains its own closed ecosystem and security boundaries. The overlay bridge acts as a mediator that facilitates cross-provider service access without compromising the integrity or reliability of individual cloud environments.
2Reliability
If cloud providers deploy services on their own infrastructure only, then service security and control are improved, but service availability and accessibility to customers of other providers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer (overlay network) on top of the existing cloud infrastructure. This overlay bridge creates a virtual network layer that operates above the physical infrastructure, enabling services to be accessible across provider boundaries while the underlying infrastructure remains under each provider's control. This dimensional addition allows simultaneous maintenance of security control and improvement of service accessibility.
3Device complexity
If cloud infrastructures remain isolated, then infrastructure management simplicity is improved, but network latency and service performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cloud network into isolated infrastructure layers and an overlay service layer. The infrastructure layer remains segmented and managed independently by each provider, maintaining management simplicity. The overlay layer provides the connectivity function, separating the management complexity of cross-provider networking from the infrastructure management. This segmentation allows infrastructure to remain simple while enabling low-latency connectivity through the overlay bridge.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein relate to a first infrastructure provided by a first cloud service provider, wherein the first infrastructure is connected, using an overlay bridge, to a second infrastructure of a second cloud service provider that is different from the first cloud service provider, wherein the first infrastructure comprises a first set of compute resources and the second infrastructure comprises a second set of compute resources; the first infrastructure is configured to form a cloud network between the first set of compute resources and a second set of compute resources; and the cloud network is configured to provide a cloud service of the second cloud service provider to a customer of the first cloud service provider using the first set of compute resources and the second set of compute resources.