Distributed Switch Management via Compatibility Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrading a distributed switch in a software-defined datacenter is complex and prone to errors, requiring users to manage software versions and dependencies, which can lead to connectivity issues and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A computing system with a software component that manages hypervisors and a distributed switch, featuring a host membership manager, feature manager, and compatibility checker, which tracks host memberships, enabled features, and compatibility with hypervisor versions to facilitate safe upgrades and feature enablement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distributed switch version is upgraded to gain new features or fix issues, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the complexity of version management increases and connectivity issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the version management process by introducing a compatibility checker that independently evaluates hypervisor version requirements against the distributed switch version being upgraded. This separates the upgrade decision-making into distinct components: feature manager identifies required features, compatibility checker validates hypervisor version compatibility, and host membership manager executes the upgrade. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by making each component's responsibility clear and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the compatibility checker provides feedback on whether the hypervisor version satisfies the requirements for the distributed switch version being upgraded. The feature manager provides feedback on which features are enabled and what hypervisor versions are required. This feedback loop prevents incompatible upgrades from occurring, reducing connectivity issues while maintaining upgrade reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distributed switch is upgraded to match the virtualization management server version, then compatibility is improved, but downtime and connectivity loss may occur due to forced upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic version compatibility checking where the system determines whether a host can be added to or remain in the distributed switch based on real-time evaluation of hypervisor version requirements. The compatibility checker dynamically assesses whether the current hypervisor version satisfies the requirements of the target distributed switch version, allowing flexible upgrade decisions rather than forced upgrades, thereby maintaining connectivity stability while achieving compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary compatibility checking before executing the upgrade. The compatibility checker evaluates whether the hypervisor version requirements are satisfied before the host membership manager actually performs the upgrade. This preliminary action prevents forced upgrades that would cause downtime, allowing administrators to plan upgrades proactively when compatibility conditions are met.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software versions are supported to allow flexible upgrades, then adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring compatibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compatibility checker as an intermediary component between the feature manager and the host membership manager. This intermediary specifically evaluates hypervisor version requirements against the distributed switch version, translating complex version compatibility rules into clear pass/fail determinations. The compatibility checker acts as a mediator that simplifies the detection and measurement of compatibility by centralizing the version validation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual version compatibility checking with an automated compatibility checker component. Instead of requiring administrators to manually compare version numbers and understand compatibility rules, the system uses the compatibility checker to automatically determine compatibility based on stored hypervisor version requirements. This substitution of manual mechanical checking with automated software-based validation reduces the difficulty of detecting and measuring compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An example computing system includes software, executing on a hardware platform, configured to manage hypervisors and a distributed switch executing in a host cluster, the software including a control plane of the distributed switch, the hypervisors providing a data plane of the distributed switch, the host cluster including hosts, the distributed switch supporting features; a host membership manager of the software configured to track which of the hosts in the host cluster are members of a group that executes the distributed switch; a feature manager of the software configured to track which of the features of the distributed switch are enabled; and a compatibility checker of the software configured with compatibility data that relates the features of the distributed switch with hypervisor version requirements.