SD-WAN Load Balancing Using Real-Time Link State Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD-WAN solutions face challenges in reliable and resilient load balancing due to varying network path characteristics such as packet loss, latency, and jitter, which affect quality of service and experience in multi-site deployments.
Innovation Solution
A network-aware load balancing method that utilizes link state data to select destination machines and datapaths based on criteria like packet loss, latency, jitter, and quality of experience, along with load balancing policies, to optimize data message routing in software-defined wide-area networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If load balancing is based on geo-proximity or load on destination machines, then load distribution is simplified, but network path characteristics such as packet loss, latency, and jitter are not considered, worsening quality of service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for load balancing decisions from simple geo-proximity and destination load to include network path characteristics such as packet loss, latency, and jitter. The load balancer dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time network conditions, transforming the load balancing mechanism from static to adaptive parameter-based routing that optimizes quality of service.
2Reliability
If network path characteristics are considered for load balancing, then quality of service is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional monitoring and decision-making requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the load balancer continuously monitors network path characteristics including packet loss, latency, and jitter. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of routing decisions based on real-time network conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network states and maintain optimal quality of service without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The load balancer performs self-service by autonomously monitoring its own network paths and making routing decisions based on observed conditions. The system automatically adjusts traffic distribution without requiring external control, reducing operational complexity while improving quality of service through adaptive network-aware load balancing.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional load balancing methods are used, then implementation is straightforward, but resilience to network variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static load balancing into a dynamic system that adapts to network variations. The load balancer continuously adjusts routing decisions based on real-time network conditions such as packet loss, latency, and jitter, enabling the system to respond dynamically to network changes and maintain resilience without complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for network-aware load balancing for data messages traversing a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) (e.g., a virtual network) including multiple connection links between different elements of the SD-WAN. The method includes receiving, at a load balancer in a multi-machine site, link state data relating to a set of SD-WAN datapaths including connection links of the multiple connection links. The load balancer, in some embodiments, provides load balancing for data messages sent from a machine in the multi-machine site to a set of destination machines (e.g., web servers, database servers, etc.) connected to the load balancer over the set of SD-WAN datapaths. The load balancer selects, for the data message, a particular destination machine (e.g., a frontend machine for a set of backend servers) in the set of destination machines by performing a load balancing operation based on the received link state data.