Overlay Network Software Nodes for Application-Controlled Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network technologies lack the ability for applications to directly control and optimize their network paths, leading to inefficiencies in data routing and security, as applications and networks do not communicate effectively to meet specific needs or policies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tier, multi-tenant architecture platform that enables applications to create and manage their own networks using software-defined nodes, allowing them to dictate policies and routes, and communicate with the network in real-time to optimize routing, security, and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If applications send packets to the wire with lower layer switches and routers determining the path, then network infrastructure can operate autonomously, but applications cannot control or optimize their own network paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overlay network with software nodes as an intermediary layer between applications and the physical network infrastructure. These software nodes act as mediators that receive application policies and translate them into actual network routing decisions, enabling application control without directly modifying the physical network layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into multiple layers: the physical network layer for infrastructure operations and the overlay network layer for application-specific routing control. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own policies, resolving the contradiction between application control needs and infrastructure autonomy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network connects network nodes to other network nodes without application awareness, then network infrastructure remains simple and autonomous, but the network cannot directly instruct application behavior or optimize for specific application needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where applications provide policies and requirements to the overlay network, which then executes routing decisions and reports back on network conditions. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous optimization of network paths based on actual application performance and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay network software nodes perform multiple functions: they translate application policies into routing decisions, monitor network conditions, select optimal paths, and provide feedback to applications. This multi-functionality enables the network to adapt to diverse application needs while maintaining a unified infrastructure.
3Productivity
If applications and networks do not use common identities or policies, then system simplicity is maintained, but optimization of overall behavior cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay network software nodes serve as intermediaries that translate application policies into network routing decisions. They establish a common policy language between applications and the network, enabling coordinated optimization without requiring direct integration between application and network systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ephemeral networks are created specific to single application flows, then network optimization for specific applications is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into persistent physical infrastructure and ephemeral overlay networks. Each application flow gets its own virtual network path through the overlay layer, while the physical layer remains unchanged and simple. This segmentation enables customization without increasing physical infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay network creates virtual copies of network paths for different applications rather than physically duplicating infrastructure. These virtual network copies are software-defined and can be created, modified, and torn down without affecting the physical network, enabling flexible application-specific routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A number of embodiments can comprise a system. The system can comprise an application and one or more software nodes under control of the application, wherein the application is configured to perform: instructing a software node of the one or more software nodes to route data to a target node of the one or more software nodes; analyzing, using a routing engine, associated paths through the one or more software nodes to the target node, wherein the associated paths comprise at least one path traversing both a mobile enterprise network and a virtual enterprise network; selecting one or more candidate next hop nodes of the one or more software nodes based on the analyzing the associated paths; causing the data to be routed to at least one of the one or more candidate next hop nodes, as selected; and repeating the analyzing, the selecting, and the causing until the data reaches a destination. Other embodiments are disclosed here.