SD-WAN Overlay Path Management for Real-Time Network Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
SD-WANs face challenges in dynamic overlay path management due to static provisioning decisions that do not adapt to real-time network conditions and traffic patterns, leading to inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control plane mechanism that allows for dynamic overlay path management based on real-time network conditions and traffic patterns, using intelligent decision-making to build and tear down paths without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If static provisioning decisions are made before real-time packet transmission, then overlay paths are established in advance, but the paths cannot adapt to real-time network conditions and traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic overlay path selection by enabling edge devices to autonomously discover remote edge devices and select optimal paths in real-time based on current network conditions and traffic patterns, replacing static pre-provisioned paths with dynamically adaptive routing decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables edge devices to autonomously perform path discovery, selection, and management without requiring centralized control or operator intervention, allowing the network to self-optimize routes based on real-time conditions while maintaining policy compliance
2Ease of operation
If centralized SD-WAN gateway manages all provisioning decisions, then centralized control is maintained, but bottlenecks occur in the gateway and edge devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments path management functionality by distributing path discovery, selection, and optimization capabilities from the centralized gateway to individual edge devices, allowing each edge device to autonomously manage its own paths while the gateway maintains centralized policy control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of decentralized autonomy at the edge device level, complementing centralized gateway management by enabling edge devices to independently make real-time path selection decisions based on local network conditions
3Loss of information
If initial provisioning collects information about each spoke, then a view into remote networks is established, but the view becomes outdated over time and is not appropriate for later decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where edge devices actively discover and update information about remote edge devices and network conditions in real-time, ensuring that routing decisions are based on current rather than outdated topology information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary path discovery and topology information gathering at the time of each new data flow initiation, ensuring that the most current network state information is available for routing decisions rather than relying on stale initial provisioning data
Data Source
AI summary
An initial provisioning by a management plane of the SD-WAN is received from a centralized SD-WAN gateway with static path overlay between the network edge device on a local LAN and the centralized SD-WAN gateway. At runtime, intelligent decision are made about which overlay path to select and when for the new flow over a control plane of the SD-WAN, based on the topology of the remote network edge and the local SDWAN policy, and to build the selected overlay path.