Scalable Global Private Network Management via Virtual Instances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Companies face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively expanding their branch office networks using traditional leased line wide area networks (WANs) and lower-cost broadband Internet, as these solutions require significant investment in hardware and management, and are often time-consuming to implement.
Innovation Solution
A scalable global private network management system that utilizes service/cloud provider networks to connect different geographic locations, allowing users to configure and manage networks through a network management service (NMS) with graphical user interfaces, APIs, and CLI, enabling centralized management, self-healing networks, and automatic reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leased line WANs are used to connect branch offices, then network reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual network instances that replicate the functionality of physical network infrastructure. Instead of provisioning actual leased lines and physical network devices at each branch, virtual network instances are deployed in cloud environments, creating a virtual copy of the network infrastructure that provides the same connectivity and reliability functions without the physical hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of leased line circuits and physical network hardware with software-based virtual network instances managed through automated orchestration. The physical network infrastructure is substituted with virtualized network functions that run in cloud data centers, eliminating the need for physical hardware provisioning and management at branch locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If more branch offices are added to traditional WANs, then network coverage is improved, but cost and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network platform where a single cloud-based virtual network infrastructure serves multiple branch offices simultaneously. The virtual network instances provide multi-functional capabilities including connectivity, security, and networking services through a unified system that can be replicated and scaled across different geographic locations without requiring separate management for each branch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network configuration where virtual network instances can be rapidly deployed, configured, and scaled based on demand. The system allows dynamic addition of new branch offices through automated provisioning processes that can spin up virtual network instances in minutes rather than requiring manual hardware installation and configuration at each new location
3Device complexity
If broadband Internet is used instead of leased lines, then cost is reduced, but implementation time and custom solution complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of virtual network instances with pre-configured networking, security, and connectivity settings. Before deployment to a new branch, the virtual network instance is prepared in advance with all necessary configurations, allowing for rapid deployment without requiring on-site customization or manual setup at the branch location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automated self-service provisioning systems that automatically configure and deploy virtual network instances without requiring manual intervention or custom solutions. The system autonomously handles network configuration, security policy application, and connectivity establishment, eliminating the need for specialized implementation teams or custom software development at each deployment site
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques for configuring and managing scalable global private networks associated with a service provider. Different input mechanisms, such as an API, a UI, or a CLI may be utilized to configure, and manage a global private network that spans across the cloud in different geographic locations and connects to different stand-alone networks. The user may proactively use the input mechanisms to configure and query different network resources to reactively configure settings for reacting to one or more events. The input mechanisms may also be utilized to define the network resources to be modeled within the global private network as well as connections within the global network. A user may configure events/metrics to be monitored, tasks/workflows to be performed, and the like. In some configurations, a network management service (NMS) may perform health monitoring and reachability monitoring to identify possible issues in the global network.