Vehicle Edge Router Multi-Link Selection for SD-WAN Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack solutions for connecting vehicles to Software Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) and utilizing multiple wireless network links effectively.
Innovation Solution
Deploying an edge router on a vehicle to connect to multiple wireless network links, such as 5G cellular links from different providers, and configuring it to forward data message flows optimally based on collected metrics and link attributes, including reliability and speed, while using deep packet inspection to select appropriate links for different traffic types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle uses multiple wireless network links from different providers, then data transmission reliability and speed are improved, but network link management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network link management by implementing separate functional components: a link metrics collection module that gathers performance data from multiple links independently, a flow classification module that processes different traffic types separately, and a link selection module that makes decisions based on segmented analysis. This segmentation allows complex multi-link management to be broken down into manageable functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge router acts as an intermediary between multiple wireless network links and the internal network devices. It collects metrics from all links, classifies flows, selects appropriate links, and forwards data messages, thereby mediating the complexity of managing multiple providers' networks while presenting a simplified interface to the vehicle's internal systems.
2Speed
If the edge router dynamically selects network links based on real-time metrics, then data transmission speed is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing link metrics in advance, and by pre-classifying data flows into categories. When a link selection decision is needed, the system queries pre-collected metrics and pre-classified flows rather than analyzing everything from scratch, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining optimal link selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge router implements feedback mechanisms where collected link metrics are fed back into the link selection process. The system monitors actual link performance and uses this feedback to adjust future selections, optimizing transmission speed while the feedback loop operates efficiently through pre-established metric collection patterns and flow classification rules.
3Productivity
If different data flows are forwarded through different network links, then overall network efficiency is improved, but packet ordering and data integrity challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data flows into different categories (e.g., real-time traffic, bulk data transfer, critical communications) and assigns different network links to each segment based on their specific requirements. This segmentation allows optimized routing for each flow type while maintaining integrity through proper reassembly at the destination, as each segment's packets are handled according to its characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical packet ordering mechanisms with a flow classification and marking approach. Instead of relying solely on sequential packet delivery, the edge router classifies flows, marks them with identification information, and uses this metadata to guide reassembly at the destination, substituting complex ordering mechanisms with more efficient flow-based management.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a novel method for connecting one or more vehicles to a software defined wide area network (SD-WAN). The method deploys an edge router to operate in the vehicle, and configures the edge router to connect to several wireless network links (e.g., 5G cellular links) operating in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the different wireless network links are different mobile hotspot links provided by different telecommunication network providers (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Orange, etc.). The method configures the edge router to forward several data message flows from a device operating in the vehicle (e.g., a computer located in the vehicle or a machine (e.g., virtual machine, Pod, container, etc.) executing on a computer located in the vehicle) to the SD-WAN using the several telecommunications network links.