SD-WAN Interconnect Gateway for Multi-Cloud Middle-Mile Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current enterprise network architectures do not allow high-speed connectivity access to databases in SaaS applications, leading to challenges in connecting geographically distributed branches to centralized cloud services, which affects user experience and compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Innovation Solution

A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) interconnect gateway dynamically discovers and optimizes pathways through middle mile Points of Presence (PoPs) to connect branches to multiple SaaS clouds, enabling instant, on-demand access based on user intent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If current enterprise network architectures are used, then existing network infrastructure is maintained, but high-speed connectivity access to databases in SaaS applications is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity speedVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an SD-WAN interconnect gateway as an intermediary device between enterprise branches and SaaS cloud services. This gateway establishes direct high-speed connectivity pathways to cloud databases and applications, bypassing the limitations of traditional network architectures. The gateway acts as a mediator that enables fast access without requiring complete redesign of the existing enterprise network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If geographically distributed branches connect to centralized cloud services through traditional networks, then existing connectivity is maintained, but user experience and SLA compliance are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidSLA compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network connectivity path by introducing dedicated SD-WAN interconnect gateways at branch locations. These gateways create separate, optimized connectivity pathways to specific SaaS cloud services and databases. This segmentation allows each branch to have dedicated high-speed access to the cloud services it needs, improving both user experience and SLA compliance without affecting other branches or services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If WAN fabrics are expanded geographically, then service reach is increased, but network capability enhancement is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeographic reachVSAvoidnetwork capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SD-WAN interconnect gateway is designed as a universal device that can connect to multiple different SaaS cloud services and databases simultaneously. It provides multi-functional connectivity capabilities, enabling a single gateway to serve various cloud providers and services. This universality allows geographic expansion of WAN fabrics without requiring separate specialized infrastructure for each service or location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4672704A1Fabric interconnect as a service in middle mile network
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4672704A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672704A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672704A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology provides a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) interconnect gateway to connect multiple SaaS clouds based on user intent. The technology dynamically discovers the best possible interconnect gateway to provide access to different cloud services from different geographic locations. A first branch connecting to a first cloud, and a second branch connecting to a second cloud, can now share their respective pathways to the clouds so that both branches can enjoy access to both clouds.