SD-WAN Client Application for Multi-Tunnel Traffic Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD-WAN and VPN technologies are limited by single tunnel connectivity, which restricts traffic delivery optimization to basic network routing algorithms, lacking application awareness and security, and are unable to efficiently manage multiple virtual connections for optimal quality, cost, and security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an SD-WAN client application that establishes and maintains multiple virtual network connections, utilizing rich application routing policies, and integrates with SD-WAN devices to manage network services, leveraging browser add-ons and application insights for traffic differentiation and security, and enabling predictive connectivity management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tunnel connection is used for SD-WAN or VPN, then the system is simple to implement, but traffic delivery optimization is limited to basic routing algorithms without application awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection into multiple independent tunnel connections instead of using a single tunnel. Each tunnel can be optimized for specific traffic types or destinations, enabling application-aware routing while maintaining manageable complexity through modular connection handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of application awareness to traditional routing by incorporating application identification and policy-based routing capabilities. This transforms basic network-layer routing into application-aware routing that can optimize traffic delivery based on application requirements, user preferences, and network conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual network connections are established for optimal quality, cost, and security, then traffic delivery optimization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SD-WAN application that can operate across multiple tunnel connections and adapt to different network environments. This multi-functional application provides application awareness, optimization, and management capabilities that work consistently across single or multiple connections, reducing the perceived complexity for users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an SD-WAN application as an intermediary layer between the network infrastructure and applications. This intermediary handles the complexity of managing multiple tunnel connections, application identification, and policy enforcement, shielding users from complexity while enabling advanced traffic optimization
3Productivity
If SD-WAN features are provided on-demand when applications need connectivity, then resource utilization is efficient, but user experience suffers due to reaction time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes tunnel connections in advance before applications need them, based on predicted traffic patterns and application requirements. This preliminary setup eliminates connection establishment delays when applications need connectivity, while the SD-WAN application intelligently manages which connections are active to maintain resource efficiency
4Adaptability or versatility
If SD-WAN software client is deployed lightly without full appliance functionality, then customer reluctance to adopt decreases, but integration with existing connectivity frameworks must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic SD-WAN software client that can adapt its operation mode based on the presence or absence of SD-WAN appliances. When appliances are present, the client integrates with them; when absent, it operates independently, providing deployment flexibility while managing integration complexity through conditional behavior
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing network services by an SD-WAN application and an SD-WAN device include a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) application executing on a client device detecting a presence of an SD-WAN device. The SD-WAN application establishes a connection between the SD-WAN application and the SD-WAN device. The SD-WAN application updates a configuration of the SD-WAN application, to cause the SD-WAN application to interoperate with the SD-WAN device for managing one or more network services.