VXLAN Tunnel Configuration for Wireless LAN Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) technologies face challenges in configuring tunnels effectively, particularly in wireless local area networks (WLANs), which hinders the implementation of end-to-end virtual networks across campus networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring VXLAN tunnels using an access point (AP) device that sends data tunnel support capabilities to an access point controller (AC) device, receiving configuration information, and generating tunnel encapsulation and routing information, allowing for the virtualization of WLANs and specifying remote AC or AR devices as peer nodes within the VXLAN tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional VXLAN technology is applied to WLANs, then network virtualization can be achieved, but tunnel configuration becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an AC (Access Controller) device as an intermediary to manage and configure VXLAN tunnels for multiple APs (Access Points). The AC device receives tunnel configuration parameters from the network management system and automatically distributes them to APs, eliminating the need for manual configuration at each AP and simplifying overall tunnel management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables APs to automatically generate and configure their own VXLAN tunnel parameters based on configuration information received from the AC device. The APs self-configure their tunnel endpoints, VNI (VXLAN Network Identifier), and encapsulation parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining virtualization capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If manual tunnel configuration is performed at each AP, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but configuration time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions where the AC device pre-generates and validates tunnel configuration parameters before distributing them to APs. The AC device performs configuration preparation, parameter validation, and consistency checks in advance, ensuring that when configuration information is sent to APs, it is ready for immediate deployment without requiring additional manual configuration time at each AP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tunnel configuration functions for multiple APs into a single centralized configuration process at the AC device. Instead of configuring each AP separately, the network administrator configures tunnels once at the AC level, and the system automatically applies the configuration to all relevant APs simultaneously, dramatically reducing both configuration time and operational complexity.
3Reliability
If VXLAN tunnels are established without automated configuration, then network reliability can be manually verified, but network failures result in manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where APs continuously monitor the health and connectivity status of their VXLAN tunnels to the AC device. When tunnel failures or connectivity issues are detected, the APs automatically report status changes to the AC device, which then triggers automated recovery procedures such as re-establishing tunnel connections or switching to backup paths, eliminating the need for manual intervention during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes beforehand cushioning measures by configuring backup tunnel paths and redundancy mechanisms in advance through the AC device. Before failures occur, alternative tunnel routes and standby configurations are prepared and validated. When primary tunnels fail, the system can immediately switch to pre-configured backup paths without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying failure recovery operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this disclosure include a method where an access point (AP) device sends, to an access point controller (AC) device, a data tunnel support capability used to indicate a type of at least one data tunnel supported by the AP device. The type of the at least one data tunnel includes a virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN). The AP device receives configuration information of a VXLAN tunnel sent by the AC device. A local device of the VXLAN tunnel is the AP device, and the configuration information of the VXLAN tunnel includes an internet protocol (IP) address of at least one peer device of the VXLAN tunnel and virtual network index (VNI) information of the VXLAN tunnel. The AP device generates tunnel encapsulation information and routing information based on the IP address of the at least one peer device of the VXLAN tunnel and the VNI information.