Multi-Tunnel Packet Processing for Ordered WAN Multipath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-gateway solutions for campus network interconnection face challenges in implementing reliable and efficient wide area network multipath transmission, particularly in scenarios with multiple gateways, leading to potential out-of-order packet delivery and bandwidth bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing system and method that utilizes multiple tunnels between network devices to implement wide area network multipath transmission, employing sequence numbers, flow identifiers, and optimization technology identifiers to ensure ordered delivery and load balancing across multiple paths, thereby enhancing transmission quality and preventing bandwidth bottlenecks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple gateways are used for campus network interconnection, then network connection reliability is improved, but packet delivery order and transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packets into different data flows based on flow identifiers, and further divides transmission paths into multiple tunnels. Each tunnel handles specific packets independently, allowing the system to maintain packet order within each flow while utilizing multiple paths for overall reliability. The segmentation of packets by flow identifier enables selective reassembly at the receiving end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary actions by adding sequence numbers and flow identifiers to packets before transmission. These identifiers are prepended to packets at the sending end, allowing the receiving end to properly order and reassemble packets without waiting for acknowledgment. This preliminary tagging enables out-of-order delivery to be corrected at the destination.
2Manufacturing precision
If single path transmission is used, then packet delivery order is maintained, but bandwidth utilization and transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and load balancing by distributing different data flows through multiple tunnels. The system can dynamically route packets based on current network conditions, utilizing available bandwidth across multiple paths while maintaining order within each flow. This dynamic approach allows optimal bandwidth utilization without sacrificing packet order integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by introducing multiple transmission paths (tunnels) alongside the traditional single-path approach. Instead of merely ordering packets in one dimension, the system creates a multi-dimensional transmission space where packets can be sent through different tunnels simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables parallel transmission while maintaining order through flow identifiers and sequence numbers.
3Productivity
If multiple tunnels are used for multipath transmission, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but system complexity and packet processing overhead deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional packet processing system that handles multiple data flows and tunnels through unified mechanisms. The same flow identifier and sequence number infrastructure serves all tunnels, allowing the system to manage multiple paths without proportionally increasing complexity. This universal approach enables efficient multipath transmission while keeping processing overhead manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet processing method and system, and a network device are disclosed, and belong to the field of network technologies. A first network device sends a first packet to a second network device through a first tunnel, and sends a second packet to a third network device through a second tunnel. The second network device forwards the first packet to the third network device through a third tunnel. The third network device processes the first packet and the second packet. The first network device is located at a first site. The second network device and the third network device are located at a second site. The first site and the second site are connected through a wide area network. Wide area network multipath transmission may be implemented in a multi-gateway scenario.