VPC Auto-Peering With Policy-Based Connection Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating and maintaining explicit bi-directional configurations for peering between multiple virtual private clouds (VPCs) is cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially as the number of peerings increases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing auto-peering relationships between VPCs through policy-based automatic configuration, allowing VPCs to automatically establish connections based on predefined policies without explicit configuration on both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explicit bi-directional configurations are used for VPC peering, then connection reliability is ensured, but configuration complexity and maintenance effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic peering configuration where the network system itself performs the configuration tasks. When a VPC is tagged for auto-peering, the system automatically discovers other eligible VPCs and establishes peerings without requiring manual configuration on each side, thus reducing configuration complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (auto-peering system with tagging and discovery protocols) that mediates between VPCs to establish peerings. This intermediary handles the complex bi-directional configuration automatically, reducing the burden on individual VPC configurations while ensuring reliable connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If explicit configurations are manually created for each VPC peering, then precise control over connections is achieved, but time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-tagging VPCs with auto-peering identifiers and policies before actual peerings are needed. This preliminary configuration enables rapid automatic establishment of peerings when required, improving configuration speed while maintaining control precision through pre-defined policies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameter from manual bi-directional settings to automatic tagging-based identification. By changing how peering relationships are defined (from explicit endpoint configurations to tag-based automatic discovery), the system achieves both precise control and improved configuration speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of VPC peerings is increased to improve network connectivity, then network coverage expands, but configuration and maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-peering system provides a universal solution that works across multiple VPCs with similar requirements. By implementing a standardized tagging and discovery mechanism, the system can automatically handle peerings across numerous VPCs uniformly, expanding network coverage while keeping maintenance effort manageable through automation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides for automatic peering between virtual networks, such as virtual private clouds (VPCs). A VPC may be configured to operate in an "auto-peering" mode, allowing for automatic peering to be turned on or off. When auto-peering is turned on, that VPC may seek connections with other VPCs, such as other VPCs matching one or more predefined policies. In addition, the particular VPC with auto-peering turned on may be open to accept connection requests from other VPCs matching one or more predefined policies. The policies for requesting connection may be the same as or different than the policies for accepting connection requests. According to some examples, the VPC may be set to a "listening" mode, in which it is open to peering with any other VPC that matches a predefined policy, but is not actively seeking to establish other connections.