Cloud Network Topology Configuration via Physical Device Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cloud computing network topologies are limited in configurability, making it difficult for users to customize virtual networks to match their in-house physical networks and lack flexibility in specifying security policies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables users to configure network topologies at the physical device level through a user interface, allowing users to detect and map available cloud computing resources, creating customizable virtual networks with features like VLAN tagging and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cloud computing network topologies are used, then resource aggregation and optimization are achieved, but network configurability and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network configuration into modular templates that can be independently selected and combined. Users can choose from pre-defined network topology templates (e.g., star, mesh, ring) and configure specific parameters for each template, rather than managing entire network configurations as monolithic units. This segmentation enables flexible customization while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements template-based configuration where standardized network topology patterns are created as reusable templates. These templates can be copied and instantiated multiple times with different parameters, allowing users to quickly deploy consistent network configurations across multiple environments without recreating each configuration from scratch, thus improving configurability while reducing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can customize virtual networks at fine granularity, then portability and security optimization are improved, but system complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares network configuration templates in advance with pre-defined topology structures, security policies, and best practice configurations. Users benefit from this preliminary preparation by being able to quickly instantiate and customize configurations without having to design complex network structures from scratch, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling fine-grained customization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where users can adjust the level of granularity and customization based on their specific needs. The system adapts between simplified template-based deployment for standard scenarios and detailed parameter-level configuration for specialized requirements, maintaining ease of operation across different use cases while providing customization flexibility when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for configuring a network topology within a cloud computing environment is disclosed. The method includes providing a user interface (UI) to a user to configure a selection of network topology features. The UI enables the user to specify network topology features at the physical device level. Available cloud computing resources that are associated with the cloud computing environment are detected and the configured network topology is mapped to the available cloud computing resources. The user may then access the mapped cloud resources as a virtual network.