Overlay Underlay Network Correlation Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for managing overlay and underlay networks in data centers are inefficient, leading to increased Mean-Time-To-Repair (MTTR) and performance degradation due to the lack of effective coordination and management tools, causing inconvenience during troubleshooting and repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that correlates control information from underlay and overlay networks to generate a relationship matrix, determining issues and performing corrective actions to improve network management, leveraging real-time monitoring tools and historical data for end-to-end visibility without requiring separate provisioning and management tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate vendor tools are used to manage overlay and underlay networks, then each network can be managed independently, but troubleshooting and repair processes become inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate overlay and underlay network management into a unified management system that correlates control information from both networks. This integration allows simultaneous visibility and control of both network layers, enabling efficient troubleshooting by identifying root causes across network boundaries and reducing MTTR while preserving independent management capabilities through virtualized control planes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overlay network is built on top of underlay network with virtual links, then network flexibility and adaptability improve, but correlation and coordination between networks become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a correlation engine as an intermediary component that sits between overlay and underlay network management functions. This mediator correlates control information from both networks, maps virtual links to physical infrastructure, and provides unified visibility without adding significant complexity to the existing network architecture, thereby maintaining flexibility while simplifying management.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional network management tools are used without correlation capabilities, then implementation is simple, but troubleshooting efficiency and repair coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary correlation of control information from overlay and underlay networks before troubleshooting is needed. By pre-establishing relationships between virtual and physical network elements and maintaining correlated state information, the system prepares troubleshooting data in advance, enabling rapid diagnosis and repair coordination when issues occur without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to data centers and more particularly to methods and systems for improving correlation between overlay networks and underlay networks in data centers. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining control information from a first network and control information of a second network of the plurality of networks, and correlating the control information of the first network and the second network to generate a relationship matrix. The method further includes determining one or more issues in the first network and the second network in response to generating of the relationship matrix, and performing one or more corrective actions to resolve the one or more issues in one or more of the first network and the second network.