Overlay Network QoS Enforcement for Branch Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wide area network (WAN) solutions, such as MPLS, are expensive and have limited flexibility in supporting branch offices, while enterprises seek a cost-effective, globally accessible, and secure network service that optimally delivers cloud experiences to users, including branch offices, data centers, and mobile users over the Internet.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Internet-based overlay network with quality-of-service (QoS) management and enforcement mechanisms, allowing for dynamic capacity allocation and traffic optimization across multiple levels (global, regional, and branch) to ensure predictable and secure network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MPLS is used for WAN connectivity, then network performance and security are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into overlay and underlay layers. The overlay network provides virtual dedicated connections with QoS guarantees, while the underlay uses shared public Internet infrastructure. This segmentation allows enterprises to get MPLS-like performance where needed while using cost-effective Internet for other traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
An overlay network with QoS enforcement mechanisms acts as an intermediary between enterprise applications and the public Internet. This intermediary layer provides traffic optimization, capacity enforcement, and performance guarantees without requiring direct MPLS infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MPLS providers place VPN concentrators at edge locations, then branch office connectivity is improved, but the number and location of concentrators is limited resulting in varying performance
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay network infrastructure provides universal access points distributed globally, allowing any branch office location to connect without being limited by physical concentrator locations. The system serves multiple functions including VPN termination, QoS enforcement, and traffic optimization at each overlay node.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a limited physical dimension (specific concentrator locations) to a virtual dimension (overlay network addresses). Branch offices can be assigned overlay addresses that route through optimal paths regardless of physical concentrator locations, enabling consistent performance across all locations.
3Loss of energy
If Internet packet switching is used instead of MPLS, then cost is reduced, but QoS control and performance predictability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay network dynamically adjusts routing paths and applies QoS policies based on current network conditions. Capacity enforcement mechanisms adaptively control traffic rates and prioritize flows, providing predictable performance over the dynamic public Internet infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key network parameters including routing paths, traffic rates, and priority levels through QoS policies. Capacity enforcement mechanisms modify these parameters in real-time to maintain performance guarantees while utilizing cost-effective Internet infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If an overlay network is implemented without QoS enforcement, then ease of operation is improved, but network performance and capacity utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The QoS system operates autonomously with automated capacity enforcement, policy application, and traffic optimization. The overlay network self-manages resource allocation and performance control without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while delivering guaranteed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of network conditions, capacity utilization, and performance metrics. This feedback drives automated QoS policy adjustments and capacity enforcement actions, optimizing network performance while maintaining simple operation through centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for enhanced overlay network-based transport of traffic, such as IPsec traffic, e.g., to and from customer branch office locations, are facilitated through the use of the Internet-based overlay routing infrastructure. This disclosure describes managing and enforcing quality-of-service (QoS) in an Internet-based overlay network shared by a set of content provider customer entities. For each entity having a customer branch, the customer branch is coupled to the Internet-based overlay routing network. A quality-of-service (QoS) policy is configured for the customer. Utilization of the Internet-based overlay network against the configured QoS policy is then monitored. The QoS is then enforced for the customer and at least one other customer, based in part on the QoS policies. Capacity is enforced for a customer entity according to the QoS policy at one of: a global level, a geographical region level, and at the customer branch level.