System and method for virtual interfaces and advanced smart routing in a global virtual network

What is this patent about?

'256 is related to the field of network optimization, specifically addressing the problem of unreliable internet connections and high latency. Existing solutions like WAN optimizers and VPNs often lack control over traffic routes and struggle with unstable connections, leading to poor user experience. The patent aims to provide a secure and reliable network optimization service on top of standard internet connections.

The underlying idea behind '256 is to create a virtual global network (GVN) that intelligently routes traffic through multiple tunnels between an endpoint device and an access point server. This involves establishing multiple tunnels, monitoring their performance, and dynamically switching traffic between them to maintain optimal connectivity. A key aspect is the use of virtual interfaces (VIFs) as logical access points for these tunnels, enabling efficient management and routing.

The claims of '256 focus on a network system comprising an endpoint device with a tunnel manager and a first virtual interface, and an access point server with a tunnel listener and a second virtual interface. The system establishes one or more tunnels between the tunnel manager and listener. Critically, at least two tunnels are kept in an active state, allowing for seamless failover. The virtual interfaces are configured to detect tunnel failures, create new tunnels if needed, and switch traffic accordingly. During periods of low packet loss, the active tunnels send unique data streams, while during high packet loss, they send duplicate streams.

In practice, the system continuously monitors the quality of the active tunnels. If a tunnel fails or its performance degrades, the system automatically switches traffic to another active tunnel, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. If no suitable tunnel is available, a new tunnel is dynamically created. The use of multiple tunnels and the ability to switch between them on the fly significantly improves network resilience and reduces the impact of network disruptions.

The invention differentiates itself from prior approaches by actively managing multiple tunnels and adapting to changing network conditions. Unlike traditional VPNs or WAN optimizers that rely on a single, fixed connection, the GVN dynamically selects the best path for traffic based on real-time performance metrics. The use of virtual interfaces further streamlines the routing process, allowing for efficient management of multiple tunnels and enabling advanced features like stormy weather mode, where duplicate streams are sent to mitigate packet loss.