Virtual L2-Bridge Interface for Cellular WAN Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WAN architectures face challenges such as insufficient bandwidth, high costs, application downtime, poor SaaS performance, complex operations, and security difficulties, especially when integrating cellular networks as the only WAN interface due to the lack of Ethernet L2 in cellular modems, which complicates establishing an L2-bridge interface.
Innovation Solution
The method involves requesting a cellular IP address, establishing data packet network connectivity, assigning the IP address to a virtual L2-bridge interface with a MAC address, mapping the virtual machine's MAC address with the L2-bridge interface, and updating the IP address while maintaining connectivity, using a hypervisor and Open vSwitch to manage the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular modems are integrated into an L2-bridge system, then network connectivity is achieved, but the lack of Ethernet L2 in cellular modems creates integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual L2-bridge interface as an intermediary component that mediates between the cellular modem (which lacks native L2 support) and the NFVIS system (which requires L2 bridging). This virtual interface translates and adapts protocols, allowing the cellular modem to function within an L2-bridge architecture without requiring native L2 capability in the modem itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the network interface functionality by separating the physical cellular modem from the logical L2-bridge operations. The virtual L2-bridge interface acts as a distinct layer that handles L2 protocol operations independently from the cellular modem's native protocol stack, allowing each component to operate in its optimal domain.
2Ease of manufacture
If cellular networks are used as the only WAN interface, then deployment simplicity and cost are improved, but dynamic IP address changes cause connectivity disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic IP address management where the virtual L2-bridge interface can adapt to changing cellular IP addresses in real-time. The hypervisor dynamically updates the virtual interface configuration when IP addresses change, maintaining continuous connectivity without requiring manual intervention or causing service disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through the hypervisor that continuously monitors the cellular network connection status and IP address assignments. When changes are detected, the feedback loop triggers automatic updates to the virtual L2-bridge interface and notifies affected virtual machines, ensuring the system adapts proactively to network changes.
3Loss of energy
If NFVIS is deployed with cellular interface, then cost is reduced, but network visibility and security management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual L2-bridge interface provides multi-functionality by simultaneously enabling network connectivity, providing network visibility, and supporting security management operations. It acts as a universal interface that the NFVIS can use to interact with the cellular network, consolidating multiple management functions into a single standardized interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for requesting a cellular IP address by initiating a call with a modem, establishing data packet network connectivity with the cellular IP address, assigning the cellular IP address to a virtual L2-bridge interface, wherein the virtual L2-bridge interface includes a MAC address, mapping a MAC address of a virtual machine with the MAC address of the virtual L2-bridge interface, detecting a change in the cellular IP address, and updating the virtual L2-bridge interface with a different cellular IP address while maintaining the data packet network connectivity.