Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for dynamically deploying a managed forwarding element (MFE) in a software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) for a particular geographic region across which multiple SaaS applications is distributed. The method determines, based on flow patterns for multiple flows destined for the multiple SaaS applications distributed across the particular geographic region, that an additional MFE is needed for the particular geographic region. The method configures the additional MFE to deploy at a particular location in the particular geographic region for forwarding the multiple flows to the multiple SaaS applications. The method provides, to a particular set of MFEs that connect a set of branch sites to the SD-WAN, a set of forwarding rules to direct the particular set of MFEs to use the additional MFE for forwarding subsequent data messages belonging to the multiple flows to the multiple SaaS applications.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for modifying an SD-WAN (software-defined wide-area network). The method collects, from a set of managed forwarding elements (MFEs), multiple metrics associated with multiple data message flows sent between the set of MFEs. The method analyzes the collected multiple metrics to group the data message flows according to multiple types and to identify a ranking of the multiple groups of data message flows according to traffic throughput. The method uses the ranking to identify a set of one or more groups of data message flows. The method modifies the SD-WAN to improve forwarding through the SD-WAN for the identified set of one or more groups of data message flows.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for using a heat map to modify an SD-WAN (software-defined wide-area network) deployed for a set of geographic locations. From a set of managed forwarding elements (MFEs) that forward multiple data message flows through the SD-WAN to a set of destination clusters, the method collects multiple metrics associated with the multiple data message flows. Based on the collected multiple metrics, the method generates a heat map that accounts for (1) the multiple data message flows, (2) locations of the set of MFEs, and (3) locations of the one or more destination clusters. The method uses the generated heat map to identify at least one modification to make to the SD-WAN to improve forwarding of the multiple data message flows.

Abstract: A network device receives, from a client device, a client request associated with a connection with a server device, where the client request identifies requested content. The network device determines connection information that identifies the connection with the server device, transmits, to a proxy server, a connection transfer request that identifies the connection information and the requested content, and receives, from the proxy server, an indication that the proxy server is capable of providing the requested content. Based on receiving the indication, the network device provides, from the proxy server to the client device, a response to the client request, and provides, from the proxy server and to the server device, information that causes the server device to terminate the connection. The network device may use a connection request transfer protocol to transmit the connection transfer request, and the client request may be an HTTP request.