Adaptive Traffic Routing in SD-WAN via Dynamic VIG Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) often rely on static VIG configurations, leading to inefficient use of network capacity and bandwidth, particularly due to the likelihood of VIG failures at core sites impacting the entire network operation, and the inability to dynamically balance traffic load across deployed VIGs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic adaptive routing method where the network orchestrator assigns primary and secondary VIGs based on load conditions, using load factors calculated from VIGs to route traffic through the least congested VIG, thereby balancing network traffic load across all deployed VIGs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static VIG configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but network capacity utilization deteriorates and bandwidth efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VIG configuration where the network orchestrator continuously monitors load conditions and dynamically assigns primary and secondary VIGs based on current network state. This allows the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns and optimize bandwidth utilization automatically, resolving the contradiction between configuration simplicity and network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of VIGs dynamically by adjusting load factor thresholds and reassigning primary/secondary roles based on monitored performance metrics. This enables the network to optimize capacity utilization without increasing device complexity, as the changes are managed centrally by the orchestrator.
2Device complexity
If single primary VIG is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to VIG failure impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secondary VIG assignment mechanism that prepares backup routing paths in advance. When a primary VIG fails, traffic is automatically redirected to the pre-configured secondary VIG, providing fault tolerance without requiring complex manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple operation while improving reliability through preemptive backup configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system assigns different roles (primary/secondary) to different VIGs based on their current load conditions and capacity, creating localized optimization at each VIG node. This allows the network to distribute risk and improve overall reliability while maintaining relatively simple individual device configurations.
3Device complexity
If traffic is routed through single VIG, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network orchestrator dynamically monitors bandwidth utilization and load factors at each VIG, then dynamically adjusts routing decisions to balance traffic across multiple VIGs. This dynamic load balancing improves bandwidth efficiency by utilizing available capacity across the VIG fleet, while the centralized control maintains routing configuration simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the orchestrator monitors traffic patterns and VIG performance metrics, then uses this feedback to optimize routing decisions. This feedback mechanism enables automatic bandwidth optimization without increasing device complexity, as all control logic resides in the orchestrator.
Data Source
AI summary
A network orchestrator may receive from a branch gateway (BG) an indication that the BG has joined a wide area network (WAN). The network orchestrator may assign, based in part on first load information of a first virtual internet gateway (VIG) and second load information of a second VIG, the first VIG as a primary VIG for the BG. The network orchestrator may also transmit a first redistribution cost to the first VIG. The network orchestrator may also transmit a second redistribution cost that is greater than the first redistribution cost to the second VIG.