Data Center Resource Tracking via Control Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data center environments, tracking virtual resources such as virtual machines and clusters is challenging due to transient network conditions that can result in multiple instances with the same identifier, leading to ambiguity in providing networking connectivity and potential network failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for tracking virtual resources, where a control and monitoring node receives port-add and port-delete notifications, determines the candidate virtual resource instance based on port versions and state information, and applies networking policies to ensure unique connectivity, using a policy store to manage virtual resource identifiers, port versions, and state information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are migrated without physically disconnecting and connecting devices from the cable infrastructure, then virtual machine mobility is improved, but resource tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that monitors virtual machine locations through software-based mechanisms rather than relying on physical cable connections. This intermediary layer decouples the tracking function from the physical infrastructure, allowing VMs to migrate freely while maintaining accurate location information through alternative monitoring methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tracking system (physical cable disconnection/connection) with a software-based tracking mechanism. Instead of using physical infrastructure events to track VM locations, the system uses software agents, network protocol analysis, or hypervisor integration to monitor and record VM positions, enabling accurate tracking without physical intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple virtual resource instances with the same identifier exist in the network, then network redundancy is improved, but connectivity determination becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system by introducing multiple layers of identifiers: primary virtual resource identifiers for logical grouping and secondary unique identifiers (such as instance IDs, port versions, or location tags) for distinguishing specific instances. This segmentation allows the system to maintain redundancy while uniquely identifying each instance for connectivity purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the identification space by incorporating spatial or temporal information into the identifier structure. For example, identifiers may include location data, port version numbers, or timestamp information that distinguishes between multiple instances of the same virtual resource, enabling unambiguous connectivity determination while preserving redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, computer media, and apparatuses for providing resource tracking, such as in a data center environment. A control and monitoring node receives updates indicating instantiation of resources in the computing system network. The control and monitoring node determines that there are duplicate resources in the network, and then determines which of the duplicate resources to provide connectivity to. The control and monitoring node provides network configuration updates to various networking resources in the network to provide network connectivity to the one of the duplicate resources in the network.