Private Network Segments Through Layer 2-to-VXLAN Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network solutions for extending broadcast domains across geographical distances face limitations in scalability, privacy, performance, and cost efficiency, particularly when dealing with large numbers of devices and VLAN combinations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an IP-routed interregional distribution network, user-network interfaces, virtual broadcast domains, and protocol transformation stacks to convert and encapsulate layer 2 broadcast domains into IP-routable forms, enabling seamless communication across geographically distant locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If VLANs and QinQ are used to extend broadcast domains across geographical distances, then the number of devices in the broadcast domain can be increased, but the number of possible VLAN combinations is limited to approximately 16 million
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces VXLAN as an intermediary technology that bridges layer 2 broadcast domains across layer 3 IP networks. The VXLAN encapsulation mechanism allows broadcast domains to extend over geographically distant locations without being constrained by traditional VLAN limits, enabling scalable deployment across multiple data centers and geographical regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2-layer (VLAN) and 3-layer (QinQ) scaling to a 4-layer architecture incorporating VXLAN. This dimensional change enables broadcast domains to scale beyond the 16 million VLAN combination limit by adding an overlay network dimension that operates independently of underlying VLAN infrastructure
2Length of stationary object
If traditional VPN or WAN solutions are used to connect geographically distant users, then geographical distance can be bridged, but routing between multiple broadcast domains compromises privacy, performance, or cost efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested network virtualization by embedding VXLAN overlay networks within existing VLAN infrastructure. This nested architecture allows layer 2 broadcast domains to be extended across layer 3 networks while maintaining the privacy and performance characteristics of local area networks, as the VXLAN encapsulation preserves broadcast domain isolation even across geographical distances
3Productivity
If the number of devices in a broadcast domain is kept small, then device performance is maintained, but the broadcast domain cannot be extended across geographical distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple hierarchical levels: underlay IP networks for geographical routing and overlay VXLAN broadcast domains for logical connectivity. This segmentation allows devices within each broadcast domain to maintain small, performance-optimized sizes while the overall network spans geographical distances through the segmented architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A system that comprises an IP-routed interregional distribution network, each comprised of two or more IP-routed regional distribution networks (RDN), each of which employs two or more user-network interfaces (UNIs), each including (a) a physical network including any device capable of operating at network layers 2 and 3, (b) a first virtual broadcast domain (VBD), (c) a second VBD, (d) a regional virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN), and (e) a protocol transformation stack (PTS). The UNI is adapted for layer 2 connection to a user device via the first VBD, and adapted for layer 3 communication over the IP-routed RDN via the VXLAN. The PTS is adapted to convert a layer 2 broadcast domain to/from an IP-routable form by mapping the first VBD to the second VBD, encapsulating the second VBD into the regional VXLAN, and translating that VXLAN into a second interregional VXLAN.