Router Native Non-IP to IP Conversion for SD-WAN Policy Enforcement

Solution Overview

Problem

Current SD-WAN systems cannot apply policies to non-IP traffic that is generated by the router, as they require conversion to IP traffic, necessitating additional hardware and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A router with native services that can terminate non-IP traffic, re-originate it as IP traffic according to SD-WAN protocols, and apply SD-WAN policies, eliminating the need for third-party technology and simplifying network support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-IP traffic is converted to IP traffic using third-party technology, then SD-WAN policies can be applied to the traffic, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply SD-WAN policies to non-IP trafficVSAvoidcomplexity of traffic conversion system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the non-IP to IP conversion functionality with the SD-WAN router by integrating a protocol converter within the router itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate third-party conversion devices and enables the router to natively handle non-IP traffic, apply SD-WAN policies to it, and forward it as IP traffic without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SD-WAN router is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can receive both IP and non-IP traffic, convert non-IP traffic to IP format, apply SD-WAN policies to the converted traffic, and forward it through the WAN. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to handle diverse traffic types and perform policy enforcement without requiring specialized third-party equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-IP traffic is converted to IP traffic using third-party technology, then SD-WAN policies can be applied to the traffic, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply SD-WAN policies to non-IP trafficVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the non-IP to IP conversion functionality with the SD-WAN router by integrating a protocol converter within the router itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate third-party conversion devices and enables the router to natively handle non-IP traffic, apply SD-WAN policies to it, and forward it as IP traffic without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SD-WAN router performs the non-IP to IP conversion operation on its own without requiring external third-party devices or services. The router's integrated protocol converter handles the conversion natively, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating ongoing operational costs associated with maintaining separate conversion infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-IP traffic is converted to IP traffic using third-party technology, then SD-WAN policies can be applied to the traffic, but network support complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply SD-WAN policies to non-IP trafficVSAvoidease of network support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the non-IP to IP conversion functionality with the SD-WAN router by integrating a protocol converter within the router itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate third-party conversion devices and enables the router to natively handle non-IP traffic, apply SD-WAN policies to it, and forward it as IP traffic without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11855886B2Systems and methods for applying SD-WAN policies to router-generated traffic

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving non-Internet Protocol (IP) traffic from one or more non-IP traffic sources. The method also includes terminating the non-IP traffic and re-originating the non-IP traffic as first IP traffic in accordance with one or more software-defined networking in a wide area network (SD-WAN) protocols. The method further includes communicating the first IP traffic to an SD-WAN link in accordance with one or more SD-WAN policies.