SD-WAN Link Selection via MPTCP Multi-IP Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide Area Networks (WANs) using dedicated links for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are costly due to the need for expensive infrastructure, and existing communication technologies do not effectively utilize multiple paths for redundancy and increased bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) with Multipath Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) that assigns multiple IP addresses or TCP port numbers to client devices, allowing them to connect through multiple links simultaneously, such as LTE and WiFi, and using Network Address Translation (NAT) to select optimal external links for packet forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated links are used for VPN connections, then network reliability and security are improved, but infrastructure cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables client devices to use multiple external links (LTE, WiFi, etc.) for a single VPN connection, making the network infrastructure multi-functional. Instead of requiring dedicated links for each connection, the system can dynamically route traffic through any available link, reducing the need for expensive dedicated infrastructure while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different external links based on availability, quality, and connection status. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to maintain reliable connections without relying on static dedicated links, thereby reducing infrastructure costs while preserving network reliability
2Productivity
If multiple external links are used for packet transmission, then bandwidth and redundancy are increased, but link selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client device automatically performs link selection and management without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The device monitors its own connection status and autonomously determines which external link to use for packet transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling multi-link operation for increased bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary that receives packets from the client and forwards them through the appropriate external link. This mediator simplifies the client's task by handling the complexity of link selection centrally, allowing the client to focus on data transmission while the network device manages the multi-link routing
3Reliability
If multiple IP addresses are assigned to client devices, then path diversity and redundancy are improved, but address management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client device automatically manages multiple IP addresses by detecting which external link is currently active and using the corresponding IP address for packet transmission. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual address management while maintaining redundancy through multiple assigned addresses
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the IP address parameter dynamically based on which external link is being used. When the client switches between LTE and WiFi connections, it automatically uses the IP address associated with the active link, simplifying address management while maintaining redundancy through multiple configurable address parameters
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system may comprise a set of network devices in a network topology, the network topology having a plurality of external links that connect to other networks, wherein the system comprises a processing resource to: assign multiple Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to one of the network interfaces of a client device; communicate the multiple IP addresses to a network interface of the client device; receive a packet from the one of the network interfaces, wherein the packet includes a source address that is one of the multiple IP addresses; select an external link of the plurality of external links based on the source address of the packet; and forward the packet via the external link of the plurality of external links.