vCPE Area Identification for Overlay Network Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In an End-to-End overlay network, the scalability issue arises when a large number of IoT devices are connected, leading to a high load on vCPEs due to the number of tunnels, resulting in inefficient use of computing resources and economic inefficiency, especially when a large number of vCPEs are activated for small traffic periods.
Innovation Solution
A communication device that determines the area for a packet based on its destination IP address, allowing a single vCPE to handle packets from multiple areas by encapsulating packets with specific IP addresses for each area, enabling efficient routing and reducing the number of vCPEs required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of vCPEs are activated to handle packets from multiple areas, then the system can manage more areas and improve scalability, but computing resources are wasted during periods of small traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single vCPE to handle packets from multiple areas through area identification and selective forwarding. The vCPE determines the source area of incoming packets and forwards them to appropriate area representative routers, allowing one vCPE to perform the functions previously requiring multiple dedicated vCPEs for different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple area-specific vCPEs into a single multi-functional vCPE. By consolidating area handling capabilities, the system reduces the number of active vCPEs needed while maintaining the ability to serve multiple areas, thereby reducing computing resource waste during low-traffic periods.
2Ease of operation
If multiple vCPEs are deployed for different areas, then area-specific routing is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the vCPE by equipping it with area identification capabilities and selective forwarding logic. The vCPE can identify the source area of packets and route them appropriately, thereby maintaining area-specific routing efficiency while reducing the number of devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing function within the vCPE by implementing area-specific forwarding rules. Instead of requiring separate vCPEs for each area, the vCPE internally segments traffic handling based on area identification, maintaining routing efficiency while reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a one-to-one relationship is maintained between vCPEs and area representative routers, then routing simplicity is preserved, but scalability is limited when handling large numbers of areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single vCPE to serve multiple area representative routers. The vCPE determines the source area of incoming packets and forwards them to the appropriate area representative router, allowing one vCPE to perform the functions of multiple vCPEs in a traditional one-to-one architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the routing architecture by adding area identification as a routing criterion. Instead of a simple one-to-one mapping, the system uses area-based routing where the vCPE selects the destination router based on the packet's source area, enabling many-to-many relationships while maintaining routing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device that accommodates a computer connecting to a LAN in a core network improves economical efficiency at the time of consolidating an overlay network for each area by including: a determination unit that is configured to determine an area to which a transmission source of a first packet belongs on the basis of a destination of a second packet once the second packet is received, the first packet being designated to the computer from any one of a plurality of areas, the second packet being obtained by encapsulating the first packet with a destination of any one of a plurality of IP addresses allocated to the communication device for the respective areas; a first transmission unit that is configured to transmit the second packet to the computer on the basis of the destination of the second packet; and a second transmission unit that is configured to encapsulate a response from the computer in a third packet with a destination of an IP address of a representative router of the area determined by the determination unit and transmit the third packet.