Distributed Virtual Switch Configuration Snapshot Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed virtual switch (DVS) management systems lack the ability to restore configurations if the management plane's database or memory is lost, and only store the latest configuration, making it impossible to revert to previous configurations or track changes, leading to potential misconfiguration issues.
Innovation Solution
A method to take a snapshot of the DVS configuration from the management plane and store it in a persistent location independent of the management plane, allowing for retrieval and application to recreate or modify existing DVS configurations, including multiple versions for tracking changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the management plane stores only the latest configuration in its memory or back-end database, then the system uses less storage space and has simpler structure, but the system cannot restore previous configurations if the management plane is lost or corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of configuration data by taking snapshots at different points in time. These snapshots are stored externally and can be used to restore previous configurations, solving the reliability issue without requiring the management plane to store multiple versions indefinitely
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically taking snapshots of configurations at key points. This preliminary storage of configuration states enables later restoration without requiring complex real-time backup mechanisms during operation
2Ease of operation
If the management plane stores only the latest configuration version, then the system maintains simpler data management, but administrators cannot revert to previous configurations or track changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures configuration snapshots at predetermined points, preserving historical information before it is lost. This preliminary action enables administrators to revert to previous versions and track changes without adding complex manual backup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to administrators by enabling them to query and review historical configuration snapshots. This feedback mechanism allows verification of configuration changes and the ability to revert to previous states, improving ease of operation while preserving configuration history
3Reliability
If the management plane is restarted after loss or corruption, then the system achieves better availability, but the configuration is lost and must be re-created from scratch
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary storage of configuration snapshots externally before the management plane may be lost or corrupted. When the management plane restarts after availability issues, administrators can quickly restore configurations from these pre-stored snapshots rather than re-creating them from scratch, reducing time loss while maintaining availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates external copies of configuration data that survive management plane restarts. These copies enable rapid restoration of configurations after availability events, balancing system availability with minimal configuration recovery time
Data Source
AI summary
A method, non-transitory storage medium, and apparatus are presented for configuration management of a distributed virtual switch including components distributed on different entities in a computing system is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a snapshot of a configuration of the distributed virtual switch is received from a management plane configured to manage the distributed virtual switch. The snapshot may include settings for the configuration at a time of taking the snapshot. A persistent storage location independent from the management plane is designated for storing the received snapshot of the configuration. After the snapshot is taken, the configuration may be retrieved from the persistent storage location and the settings of the configuration may be applied to the distributed virtual switch, a new distributed virtual switch, or an existing distributed virtual switch.