WAN Optimization Devices Integrated with Content Delivery Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery networks are limited in improving network performance within private local-area networks (LANs) and wide-area networks (WANs) behind firewalls, and they do not effectively operate at the application level, whereas WAN optimization devices can enhance performance but require deployment at both the source and destination, which may not be feasible for all cloud computing systems.
Innovation Solution
Integrating WAN optimization devices with content delivery networks to associate each WAN optimized network connection with a specific client-to-cloud-service connection, enabling edge nodes to intercept and optimize network traffic, and using auto-discovery indicators to establish inner connections between WAN optimization modules for enhanced performance across private and public WANs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If content delivery networks are used to improve network performance, then latency is reduced and system performance is enhanced, but the networks cannot effectively operate within private LANs and WANs behind firewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WAN optimization devices as intermediary components that bridge the gap between content delivery networks and private networks behind firewalls. These devices act as mediators that can intercept, optimize, and forward traffic between the CDN and internal networks, enabling CDN functionality to operate within restricted network environments without requiring direct CDN access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network optimization function by deploying WAN optimization devices at specific locations (such as firewalls or gateways) rather than requiring end-to-end CDN integration. This segmentation allows the optimization functionality to be distributed and deployed independently at strategic points within the network architecture, improving compatibility with various network configurations.
2Productivity
If WAN optimization devices are deployed to optimize network traffic, then bandwidth limitations are masked and performance is improved, but deployment complexity increases due to requirement for both source and destination deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple WAN optimization devices into a single centralized optimization point. Instead of requiring separate optimization devices at both source and destination, the system combines these functions into one device that can optimize traffic in transit, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining optimization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements WAN optimization devices with multi-functional capabilities that can operate in different deployment scenarios. The same device can function as a source optimizer, destination optimizer, or transit optimizer, making it universally applicable across different network configurations and reducing the need for specialized deployment at each location.
3Reliability
If content delivery networks operate over the internet, then they can provide enhanced routing and TCP protocol optimization, but they cannot improve network performance within organizations' private LANs and WANs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by implementing WAN optimization devices at specific locations within the network where they can provide localized optimization for traffic passing through that point. Each optimization device is configured to handle specific traffic patterns and requirements of its local environment, enabling tailored optimization for different network segments while maintaining overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Content delivery networks may associate each WAN optimized network connection with a specific client-to-cloud-service connection using connection identifiers. When an edge node of a content delivery network receives or intercepts a network connection request from a client device including an auto-discovery indicator from an upstream WAN optimization module, the edge node stores a connection identifier for this network connection. The edge node sends a connection response back to the client device including an auto-discovery response indicator. In response, the WAN optimization module sends one or more inner connection setup messages including the connection identifier to a second WAN optimization module in the content delivery network to establish a direct connection, referred to as an inner connection. The connection identifier is matched with the previously stored connection identifier to associate an inner connection with the network connection between the client and the cloud service.