Symbiotic Network Orchestration for Edge Device Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting new devices to edge site computing networks within large corporate computing networks is complex, time-consuming, and prone to human error due to siloed management and security policies, often preventing seamless integration with centralized corporate networks.
Innovation Solution
A symbiotic network orchestrator that coordinates SD-WAN and edge-native site network controllers to automatically commission edge computing devices by determining intent based on network configurations, constraints, and predetermined rules, reconfiguring both networks to facilitate seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge site computing network and centralized corporate computing network are managed independently by separate controllers, then each network can be controlled autonomously according to its own policies, but connecting new devices becomes complex and time-consuming due to siloed configuration and security policies
Solution Approach 1:
A symbiotic network orchestrator is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the centralized corporate network controller and edge site network controller. The orchestrator receives device connection requests, determines commissioning intent based on network configurations and security policies, and coordinates reconfiguration of both networks simultaneously. This mediator eliminates the need for manual intervention in complex multi-network device commissioning while preserving the autonomous control capabilities of each network.
2Reliability
If centralized corporate network is segmented into subnetworks with security policies, then network security is improved, but interconnectivity for new devices between edge site and centralized network is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically evaluates device interconnectivity requests by analyzing current network configurations, security policies, and device characteristics. The symbiotic network orchestrator determines commissioning intent based on runtime event data and predetermined rules, enabling security policies to adapt flexibly to new device connection scenarios while maintaining protection of the segmented network structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The orchestrator changes network parameters such as security policy configurations, routing rules, and access controls based on the determined commissioning intent. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system allows new devices to interconnect across subnetwork boundaries when appropriate, while maintaining security constraints for restricted scenarios.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is used for device commissioning across multiple networks, then security policies can be carefully enforced, but the process becomes prone to human error and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated device commissioning where the symbiotic network orchestrator autonomously determines commissioning intent, evaluates security policies, and coordinates network reconfigurations without human intervention. The orchestrator applies predetermined rules and analyzes runtime event data to make intelligent decisions, eliminating human error while maintaining security policy enforcement and significantly accelerating device onboarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The orchestrator implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network configurations, device states, and commissioning outcomes. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from previous commissioning attempts, refine security policy applications, and improve automated decision-making for subsequent device connections, thereby enhancing both security enforcement accuracy and commissioning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a symbiotic network orchestrator utilized to automatically commission edge computing devices on corporate computing networks and edge site computing networks is presented. The method includes receiving an indication of a potential connection of an edge computing device to one or more computing networks associated with the orchestrator. The one or more computing networks includes a corporate computing network and an edge site computing network. The method further includes determining, based on the corporate computing network, the edge site computing network, and a predetermined set of rules, an intent for commissioning the edge computing device, reconfiguring, based on the intent, the corporate computing network and the edge site computing network, and commissioning the edge computing device on one or more of the corporate computing network or the edge site computing network in accordance with the reconfiguring.