Peered Network Device Clusters for Traffic Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network device clusters are limited in efficiently handling and sharing information across numerous peers in different locations, particularly in asymmetrically routed environments, and lack the ability to classify network traffic connections effectively, leading to incomplete data and increased bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming a cluster of peered network devices with control information connections, allowing each peer to classify connections based on sequential payload packets and share information efficiently, enabling complete data reporting and backup capabilities without duplicating network traffic, and allowing peers to operate remotely across different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If network devices are clustered as peers using direct connections to send duplicate traffic, then information sharing between peers is improved, but bandwidth usage increases and complete information availability across the cluster deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control information from duplicate traffic forwarding and separates it into dedicated control information connections. Instead of sending complete duplicate traffic between peers, the system extracts and transmits only essential control information (connection classifications, packet counts, byte counts) over dedicated control channels, eliminating bandwidth waste while maintaining information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication between peers into two distinct channels: control information connections for exchanging management data and traffic connections for actual data flow. This segmentation allows control information to be transmitted efficiently without duplicating entire traffic streams, resolving the contradiction between information sharing and bandwidth consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more peers are added to the cluster to improve network coverage and information sharing, then network capability is enhanced, but device complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal control information connection protocols that work across any number of peers. Each peer uses the same control information connection structure and message formats regardless of cluster size, allowing seamless scaling from 2 to 50+ peers without increasing management complexity. The standardized control messages enable any peer to join or leave the cluster dynamically.
3Productivity
If individual peers process all network traffic locally to reduce processing overhead, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision of overall network traffic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where peers exchange control information containing traffic statistics (packet counts, byte counts, connection classifications) observed from their respective positions in the network. This feedback loop allows each peer to build a comprehensive view of overall network traffic patterns, improving measurement precision while maintaining local processing speed for actual traffic handling.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a method comprises forming a cluster of peered network devices comprising a plurality of three or more peered network devices and a plurality of control information connections between pairs of the peered network devices. The method further comprises classifying a connection by associating the connection with an application, wherein a first peered network device associated with the cluster classifies the connection based at least in part on sequential payload packets associated with the connection, at least some of which the first device receives from other peered network devices associated with the cluster. The method also comprises sending control information over one of the control information connections between the first peered network device and a second peered network device associated with the cluster, wherein the control information comprises information regarding the classification of the connection.