Agile Data Center Network Architecture Using Virtual Layer-2 Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center network architectures face challenges such as tree-like configurations leading to congestion, difficulty in reassigning servers, traffic floods affecting other services, and high costs, which limit agility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An agile network architecture that employs a virtual layer-2 network with flat addressing, utilizing application addresses and agile agents to intercept packets and select optimal paths, allowing any server to be assigned to any service and enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective data center operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional tree-like network configurations are used, then network structure is simple to implement, but congestion and computational hotspots occur even when spare capacity is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple virtual sub-networks (VLANs) that can be independently configured and managed. This allows traffic to be distributed across different virtual networks, preventing congestion in any single path while maintaining the simplicity of tree-like physical topology. Each virtual network can be optimized for specific traffic patterns without reconfiguring the physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual dimension overlaying the physical network structure. By creating virtual network layers that operate independently of the physical tree-like topology, the system enables multi-path routing and load balancing without changing the physical configuration. This additional virtual dimension allows traffic to bypass congested paths through alternative virtual routes.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional network architectures are used, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but traffic floods in one service affect other services sharing the same network sub-tree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into isolated virtual sub-networks (VLANs) that prevent traffic floods from propagating across the entire network. Each virtual network acts as an independent containment zone, so when one service experiences a traffic flood, only that specific virtual network is affected while other services in different VLANs remain protected. This segmentation maintains cost-effective infrastructure by using software-based virtualization rather than requiring separate physical networks for each service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual network switches and routing protocols as intermediaries that control traffic flow between services. These intermediary components monitor and manage traffic patterns, preventing flood traffic from spreading to other services while maintaining efficient resource sharing. The intermediaries act as gatekeepers that enforce traffic isolation policies without requiring expensive dedicated infrastructure for each service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If servers are reassigned among services in conventional networks, then resource flexibility is improved, but configuration burden increases enormously requiring human involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated configuration systems that enable servers to be reassigned to different services without human intervention. The virtual network infrastructure includes self-provisioning capabilities where servers automatically register themselves with the virtual network manager, obtain appropriate VLAN assignments and routing configurations, and integrate into the network autonomously. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces the configuration burden while maintaining high flexibility for server reassignment across services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures virtual network templates and policies that automatically apply when servers are assigned to services. Rather than requiring manual configuration at the time of server reassignment, the system has pre-established virtual network blueprints, routing rules, and security policies that are automatically instantiated and applied. This preliminary preparation of configuration templates enables rapid, error-free server reassignment while eliminating the need for complex manual configuration procedures.
4Reliability
If conventional data center networks are configured, then network functionality is achieved, but difficulty in configuration and equipment costs negatively impact agility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual network platform that can serve multiple services and functions through software configuration rather than requiring different hardware for each service. The virtual network infrastructure provides multi-functionality by dynamically creating, modifying, and deleting virtual networks, VLANs, and routing paths through software commands. This universal platform maintains reliable network functionality while dramatically improving agility, as the same physical infrastructure can be rapidly reconfigured to support different services, applications, and traffic patterns without changing the underlying equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent application relates to an agile network architecture that can be employed in data centers, among others. One implementation provides a virtual layer-2 network connecting machines of a layer-3 infrastructure.