SD-WAN Overlay Routing Control via Intent-Based OMP Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale SD-WAN networks, configuring routing settings for thousands of edge devices individually is time-consuming, inefficient, prone to errors, and costly, leading to network lag and traffic drops during software updates.
Innovation Solution
A centralized routing controller dynamically distributes routing control settings across edge devices using a hierarchical and dynamic distribution model, extending the Overlay Management Protocol (OMP) with a new address family to send routing data directly to edge devices, allowing user intent to be defined at the overlay level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual configuration of routing settings for each edge device is performed manually, then configuration precision and control accuracy are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based configuration where a single routing control setting template can be copied and applied to multiple edge devices simultaneously. The controller stores templates that define routing parameters, and these templates can be instantiated across numerous edge devices, eliminating the need to configure each device individually while maintaining consistent configuration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can individually configure specific edge devices when needed, but also universally apply routing control settings to groups or all edge devices using templates. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt between precise individual configuration and efficient bulk configuration depending on the operational requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual device-by-device configuration is performed, then configuration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the large number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration templates serve as reusable copies that can be applied across multiple edge devices. Network administrators can create a single template with accurate routing parameters and then instantiate it across numerous devices, maintaining configuration accuracy while dramatically simplifying the operational process.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the network administrator and the edge devices. Instead of directly configuring each device, the administrator interacts with the controller, which then handles the distribution and application of routing settings to appropriate edge devices, simplifying the operational interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual routing configuration is performed for each edge device, then routing control precision is improved, but device complexity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining separate configuration data for each edge device, the system uses templates that can be copied and applied to multiple devices. This reduces the overall system complexity by consolidating configuration management into reusable templates while maintaining the ability to apply precise routing control settings when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration management of multiple edge devices into a unified template-based system. Rather than treating each device's routing configuration as a separate complex entity, the system combines them under common templates that can be selectively applied, reducing overall system complexity while preserving routing control precision.
4Productivity
If centralized control is implemented for routing settings, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but network stability may deteriorate due to potential conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the application of routing control settings across edge devices. When conflicts arise from centralized template application, the feedback system detects these conflicts and enables appropriate resolution actions, maintaining network stability while preserving the productivity benefits of centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential conflicts by implementing conflict detection and resolution mechanisms in advance. Before applying routing templates that might cause conflicts, the system has pre-configured methods to detect and resolve these conflicts, cushioning against potential network instability while maintaining centralized control efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for enabling centralized distribution and configuration of routing control settings in a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) overlay are disclosed herein. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to defining a new address family in a communication protocol. The techniques may enable users to provide input related to configurations for routing control settings in a hierarchical manner. The routing controller may identify device(s) in the SD-WAN and send the routing control settings to the edge devices using the new address family. The techniques described herein provide a streamlined and dynamic way to manage routing controls, while also enabling centralized distribution of routing control settings, routes, best path data, etc. from a centralized routing controller.