Cross-Cloud Connectivity Checks via Segmented Observation Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network troubleshooting and diagnosis across different cloud environments are challenging due to dropped connectivity check packets at the edge device, making it difficult to diagnose cross-cloud network connectivity issues, especially as the scale and complexity of cloud environments increase, leading to increased system downtime.
Innovation Solution
Modifying connectivity check packets to include indicators that cause observation points along the datapath to generate and send report information, allowing for cross-cloud network connectivity checks by modifying the source address information and appending metadata to ensure that report information is sent from observation points within and outside the private cloud environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectivity check packets are sent across cloud environments, then network troubleshooting capability is improved, but packets are dropped at edge devices making diagnosis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connectivity check process by introducing multiple observation points along the datapath. Instead of a single end-to-end check that gets dropped, the system divides the path into segments with observation points that can independently report connectivity status, allowing partial information collection even when full path connectivity is broken.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces observation points as intermediary elements along the datapath between source and destination virtual machines. These intermediaries intercept and report on connectivity check packets, providing mediation that allows troubleshooting information to be collected without requiring direct end-to-end packet delivery that would otherwise be blocked at edge devices.
2Loss of information
If observation points are added along the datapath, then diagnostic information collection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The observation points are designed to perform multiple functions: they monitor connectivity check packets, generate report information about connectivity status, and participate in standard network forwarding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while still providing comprehensive diagnostic capability.
3Measurement precision
If report information is collected from multiple observation points, then connectivity issue identification is improved, but information aggregation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where observation points send report information back to the source virtual machine or network management system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically correlate reports from multiple observation points, identify connectivity issues based on patterns in the feedback data, and reduce manual analysis complexity through structured information return paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems are provided for cross-cloud connectivity checks. One example method may include detecting a first connectivity check packet that is addressed from a first virtualized computing instance deployed in a first cloud environment; and determining that the first connectivity check packet is destined for a second virtualized computing instance in a second cloud environment reachable via the network device. The method may also comprise: generating a second connectivity check packet by modifying the first connectivity check packet to include one or more indicators that a connectivity check is required along a datapath towards the second virtualized computing instance in the second cloud environment. The method may further comprise: sending the second connectivity check packet to cause one or more observation points along the datapath to, based on the one or more indicators, generate and send report information associated with the second connectivity packet.