Primary WAN Device Control Using Separate Management and Data Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of centralized control over network devices with integrated WAN interfaces leads to inefficiencies, reduced performance, and challenges in maintaining a stable network environment, as network resources are not managed in a coordinated and integrated manner.
Innovation Solution
A primary network device manages and controls secondary network devices by establishing virtual connections and data tunnels, utilizing the WAN interfaces for data packet transmission, and applying policies based on interface type and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network devices are managed separately without centralized control, then device independence and simplicity are maintained, but network performance, visibility, and coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements centralized control by merging the management functions of multiple network devices into a single primary network device. The primary device establishes control connections to secondary devices and maintains a unified view of the network topology, enabling coordinated resource allocation and performance optimization across all devices while preserving their individual operational functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary network device serves multiple functions: it acts as a regular network device for data transmission while simultaneously functioning as a centralized management controller. It establishes both data connections and control connections, maintains topology information, and coordinates resource allocation across the network, embodying multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and performance.
2Productivity
If centralized control is implemented to improve network coordination and performance, then network performance and visibility improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions from data functions by establishing separate control connections distinct from data connections. The control connection carries management and coordination traffic, while data connections handle user traffic. This segmentation allows centralized control to be implemented without overwhelming the data plane, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining performance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary network device acts as an intermediary between secondary network devices and the network management function. It maintains topology information and coordinates resource allocation, mediating control activities without requiring direct complex interactions between all devices. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling centralized control benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing network devices are replaced with new devices having additional functions, then network capability and functionality improve, but upgrade cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing network devices to participate in a centralized control architecture that provides advanced network capabilities without requiring hardware replacement. The primary device's ability to maintain topology information and coordinate resource allocation across secondary devices delivers enhanced network adaptability and versatility while utilizing the existing investment in secondary devices, thereby avoiding high replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replacing physical devices to gain additional functionality, the patent creates a virtualized control layer where the primary device replicates management and coordination functions across the network. This virtual copying of control capabilities provides enhanced network capability without the cost of duplicating physical hardware, allowing existing devices to be leveraged more effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention discloses methods and systems for transmitting data packets over a wide area network (WAN) through secondary network devices connected to a primary network device. The primary network device first takes control of the secondary network devices' network settings. Then, it creates two separate connections: one for managing the secondary network devices (using management interfaces) and another for transmitting data (using transmission interfaces). The data packets transmit through the WAN connection on the secondary network devices using a special tunnel created within the data connection, following rules set by a policy.