SD-WAN Link Selection via SLA Priority and Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD-WAN systems face challenges in efficiently managing Quality of Experience (QoE) by prioritizing applications based on Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and available bandwidth, leading to frequent SLA violations due to inadequate link selection methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a service orchestrator that stores SLA rules with associated priorities, configures SD-WAN edges to apply these rules, and selects WAN links based on available bandwidth and SLA priorities, dynamically reallocating applications to ensure higher-priority applications meet SLA targets by moving them to more suitable links when violations occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are assigned to WAN links without considering SLA priorities and available bandwidth, then link utilization is simplified, but SLA violations increase and QoE deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring SLA rules with priorities and pre-calculating available bandwidth for each WAN link before application assignment. The service orchestrator proactively identifies suitable links for high-priority applications based on pre-stored bandwidth information, preventing SLA violations before they occur rather than reacting after violations happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the service orchestrator continuously monitors SLA compliance status and adjusts application-to-link assignments accordingly. When SLA violations are detected or bandwidth conditions change, the system receives feedback and dynamically reassigns applications to maintain compliance, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Reliability
If high-priority applications are always placed on the same WAN link, then placement is simple, but SLA violations occur when link capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static application-to-link assignment to dynamic assignment based on real-time conditions. The service orchestrator continuously evaluates available bandwidth and SLA compliance status, dynamically adjusting which applications are assigned to which WAN links. This allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions and ensure high-priority applications always receive adequate bandwidth capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of link selection criteria from simple predetermined assignment to multi-factor evaluation including available bandwidth, SLA priority levels, and current network conditions. By varying these selection parameters dynamically, the system optimizes SLA compliance while maintaining flexibility in link assignment decisions.
3Productivity
If multiple applications share the same WAN link, then resource utilization is maximized, but SLA violations increase when bandwidth demand exceeds capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the WAN link capacity and application requirements into distinct categories based on SLA priorities. High-priority applications are separated from low-priority applications in the assignment process, with the service orchestrator ensuring that high-priority applications receive dedicated bandwidth capacity first. This segmentation prevents SLA violations by protecting high-priority traffic while still allowing efficient utilization of remaining capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by assigning applications to links based on only the necessary bandwidth required for SLA compliance, rather than filling all available capacity. The service orchestrator calculates the minimum required bandwidth for each application to meet SLA targets and assigns links accordingly, avoiding over-subscription that would lead to SLA violations while still achieving efficient resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes obtaining, for a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) system having a plurality of a wide area network (WAN) links for an SD-WAN service, a first service level agreement (SLA) rule that matches a first application, the first SLA rule having a first priority that indicates a priority of the first application; obtaining, for the SD-WAN system, a second SLA rule that matches a second application, the second SLA rule having a second priority that indicates a priority of the second application; assigning, for the SD-WAN system, the first application and the second application to a first WAN link of the plurality of WAN links; and in response to determining that the first WAN link has violated the first SLA rule that matches the first application, assigning, by the SD-WAN system, the second application to a second WAN link of the plurality of WAN links.