Programmable Network Platform Inter-Metro Cloud Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing systems face challenges in efficiently provisioning and delivering cloud services across different metropolitan areas, as they require complex negotiations and physical connections, leading to increased costs, reduced performance, and compromised security and privacy.
Innovation Solution
A programmable network platform dynamically configures and manages cloud exchanges to establish interconnections between geographically distributed cloud service exchanges, enabling virtual connections through partner network service providers, thereby bypassing the public Internet and simplifying service provisioning across metros.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud services are delivered across different metropolitan areas using traditional methods, then service coverage is expanded, but negotiation complexity and physical connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cloud exchanges as intermediary platforms that facilitate connections between cloud service providers and customers across different metropolitan areas. These exchanges act as neutral mediators that standardize interconnection processes, eliminate complex bilateral negotiations, and provide pre-established physical infrastructure. The exchanges implement standardized APIs and policies that automate service provisioning while maintaining flexible multi-party relationships.
2Reliability
If direct physical connections are established between cloud service providers and customers in different metros, then connection reliability is improved, but infrastructure costs and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate physical connections and infrastructure elements into unified cloud exchange platforms. Instead of requiring individual direct connections between each provider and customer, the exchange consolidates interconnection infrastructure, shared physical resources, and standardized protocols into a single coordinated system. This reduces overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining reliable direct connections through the exchange's controlled environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud services traverse the public Internet for inter-metro connectivity, then service delivery flexibility is maintained, but performance and security are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into two distinct portions: a private, controlled segment through the cloud exchange infrastructure for inter-metro connectivity, and public Internet access for non-critical traffic. This segmentation allows critical cloud services to bypass the public Internet and travel through dedicated private networks with guaranteed performance and security, while maintaining the option to use public Internet for less sensitive communications. The exchange provides multiple path options that can be selected based on service requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described for dynamically programming a cloud-based service exchange to enable connections from an enterprise buyer in one metropolitan area to connect to a cloud exchange in another metropolitan area. For example, a network data center includes a programmable network platform to receive an indication of a network service provider (NSP) configured to transport traffic to a customer in a second metropolitan area; provision a virtual circuit from a customer-facing port of a cloud-based services exchange point of the second metropolitan area to the NSP; receive a service request that specifies one or more cloud services provided by one or more cloud service provider networks of the first metropolitan area operated by the respective cloud service providers; and configure access to the one or more cloud services provided by one or more cloud service provider networks via the virtual circuit.