SD-WAN Edge Node Dynamic Hub Role Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs) face challenges in handling critical application traffic due to path impairments between source edge nodes and transit nodes, leading to application degradation, and SOS applications are prone to blackouts or brownouts due to path instabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where edge forwarding nodes in SD-WANs can dynamically switch between primary and secondary roles based on configuration data from a centralized or distributed controller, using routing graphs to identify alternate routes and adjust tunnel headers, ensuring optimal packet routing even under degraded conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transit node is used for routing application flows in SD-WAN, then network architecture is simplified, but path reliability deteriorates when the transit node experiences impairments or failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transit nodes into the routing path, allowing application flows to be routed through alternative transit nodes when the primary node experiences impairments. This combining of multiple routing paths improves reliability while maintaining manageable network architecture through centralized controller coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing where the controller can dynamically switch between primary and secondary transit nodes based on real-time network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to node failures or impairments by rerouting flows through alternative paths, enhancing reliability without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic role switching between edge forwarding nodes is implemented, then routing flexibility and resilience are improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the complexity of dynamic role switching between edge forwarding nodes. The controller receives capability advertisements from edge nodes, determines optimal routing configurations, and distributes appropriate route records. This intermediary approach enables routing flexibility while centralizing the complexity management, preventing exponential growth of control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where edge forwarding nodes automatically advertise their capabilities (such as hub forwarding capability) to the controller. This allows the system to dynamically adapt to changing network conditions without manual intervention, improving routing flexibility while the automated nature of the process prevents control complexity from becoming unmanageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple route records are maintained for different forwarding roles, then routing adaptability is improved, but memory and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes edge forwarding nodes multi-functional by enabling them to operate in both edge forwarding mode and hub forwarding mode. By advertising capabilities such as 'capable of serving as hub forwarding node' and maintaining route records for both roles, the system achieves routing adaptability. The same physical node serves multiple routing functions, reducing the need for dedicated hardware and optimizing memory utilization through shared data structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of facilitating routing through a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) defined for an entity. A first edge forwarding node located at a first multi-machine site of the entity, the first multi-machine site at a first physical location and including a first set of machines, serves as an edge forwarding node for the first set of machines by forwarding packets between the first set of machines and other machines associated with the entity via other forwarding nodes in the SD-WAN. The first edge forwarding node receives configuration data specifying for the first edge forwarding node to serve as a hub forwarding node for forwarding a set of packets from a second set of machines associated with the entity and operating at a second multi-machine site at a second physical location to a third set of machines associated with the entity and operating at a third multi-machine site at a third physical location. The first edge forwarding node serves as a hub forwarding node to forward the set of packets from the second set of machines to the third set of machines.