VXLAN Tunnel Configuration via GRASP Protocol Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manual configuration process for VXLAN networks is inefficient and error-prone, especially in large-scale networks, leading to low configuration efficiency and a high error rate.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatic VXLAN configuration using GRASP information and ANIMA protocol, where network devices autonomously establish VXLAN tunnels based on configuration information, eliminating the need for manual intervention and centralized management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual configuration is used for VXLAN tunnels, then configuration flexibility and control are maintained, but configuration efficiency decreases and error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidmanual configuration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling network devices to automatically discover and configure VXLAN tunnels through GRASP protocol exchanges. Devices autonomously generate configuration information, establish tunnels with peer devices, and manage their own VXLAN instances without manual intervention, thereby dramatically improving configuration efficiency while maintaining control through standardized protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having devices pre-generate and exchange GRASP configuration information before actual VXLAN tunnel establishment. The configuration data including VNI, tunnel endpoints, and routing parameters is prepared in advance through structured GRASP messages, enabling rapid automated tunnel creation without manual configuration steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If manual configuration is performed for each device individually, then precise control over each device is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidindividual device configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual device configuration operations into a unified automated process. Multiple devices simultaneously exchange GRASP configuration information and establish VXLAN tunnels through coordinated protocol exchanges, transforming sequential manual configuration into parallel automated operations that reduce total configuration time while maintaining individual device control through standardized message exchanges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual VXLAN configuration is implemented across multiple devices, then configuration accuracy can be monitored, but error rate remains high due to human factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidautomatic configuration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through GRASP protocol exchanges where devices verify configuration information mutuality, confirm tunnel establishment status, and report configuration states. This automated feedback loop ensures configuration accuracy by validating parameters such as VNI matching, endpoint reachability, and tunnel operational status without human intervention, thereby improving reliability while enabling automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3694157B1Vxlan configuration method, device and system
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3694157B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694157B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3694157B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A VXLAN configuration method, a device, and a system are provided. The method includes the following: A first network device obtains configuration information, generates first GRASP information based on the configuration information, and sends the first GRASP information to a second network device, where the configuration information includes VTEP device information, a plurality of pieces of VTEP device information are respectively used to indicate a plurality of VTEPs included in a VXLAN, the first GRASP information includes objective information, and the objective information is used to carry the configuration information. The second network device receives the first GRASP information, and establishes a VXLAN tunnel based on the first GRASP information. In this way, automatic VXLAN configuration is implemented, and existing problems of low VXLAN configuration efficiency and a relatively high error rate are avoided.