SD-WAN Overlay Segment Routing Across IPv4 Carrier Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD-WAN solutions lack the capability to set up tunnels with path programming across multiple carrier networks, particularly in inter-carrier networks and IPv4 networks, as existing segment routing technologies rely on underlay network routing protocols and are limited to private MPLS or IPv6 networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication method for SD-WAN that enables nodes to independently compute overlay paths without relying on an underlay network controller, using SD-WAN overlay topology information and locator routes to establish segment routing tunnels across diverse networks, including edge nodes allocating and advertising virtual private network segment identifiers and link/node identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing segment routing technologies (SRv6) are used, then path programming capability is provided, but dependency on underlay network routing protocols is required, limiting support to private MPLS or IPv6 networks only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary locator mechanism that mediates between the overlay SD-WAN layer and the underlay network. This locator acts as a translator, enabling SR BE path computation in the overlay layer while maintaining compatibility with diverse underlay networks (IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, carrier networks) without requiring direct dependency on specific underlay routing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from underlay-dependent routing to overlay-independent path programming by adding a new dimensional layer - the SD-WAN overlay layer with its own locator-based routing mechanism. This allows path computation to occur in the overlay dimension rather than being constrained by the underlay network's routing protocols.
2Extent of automation
If SD-WAN overlay SR BE path computation is implemented, then autonomous path computation without controller dependency is achieved, but new routing protocol mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each SD-WAN node to autonomously compute its own overlay SR BE path using locally stored topology information and advertised locator routes. Nodes independently perform path computation without requiring continuous controller intervention, using the formula: path = topology information + advertised locator route.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing function into two independent parts: (1) topology information collection and storage at each node, and (2) path computation using advertised locator routes. This segmentation allows autonomous computation while distributing the complexity across multiple nodes rather than centralizing it.
3Ease of operation
If locator advertisement mechanism is introduced, then overlay path establishment is enabled, but additional routing information exchange is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locator advertisement mechanism universal by having nodes advertise locator routes as part of their standard routing operations. The same mechanism used for overlay path establishment also serves as the information exchange protocol, eliminating the need for separate dedicated advertisement protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method for an SD-WAN is provided. The method may include: A first node obtains SD-WAN overlay topology information; obtains a first SD-WAN overlay locator route advertised by a second node, where the first SD-WAN overlay locator route includes a first locator configured by the second node at an overlay layer; and obtains, based on the first SD-WAN overlay locator route and the SD-WAN overlay topology information, a software-defined wide area network overlay segment routing SD-WAN overlay SR BE path arriving at the second node.