Dynamic Network Address Pool Allocation for Kubernetes Namespaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network address management techniques in virtualized computing environments often result in unnecessary allocation of network addresses and delays in address assignment, as they rely on fixed address allocations rather than dynamic management.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dynamic network address management, where network address pools are allocated to namespaces based on the number of virtual computing instances (VCIs) within those namespaces, allowing for fine-grained control and efficient allocation of network addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed network address allocation is used for each node, then address assignment is simple to implement, but it results in unnecessary allocation of unused network addresses and delays in address assignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidwaste of network addresses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network address allocation where the network address pool is automatically adjusted based on the actual number of VCIs on each node. The system periodically queries VCI counts and reallocates address pools accordingly, transforming the static fixed allocation into a dynamic adaptive system that matches actual usage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic self-adjustment of network address allocation without manual intervention. The network management system automatically queries VCI quantities, calculates required address pool sizes, and performs reallocation operations, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing address distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed network address allocation is used for each node, then implementation is straightforward, but it causes delays when allocated addresses are exhausted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidaddress assignment delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network management system continuously monitors the number of VCIs on each node and the status of network address pools. Based on this feedback information, the system dynamically adjusts address pool allocations to prevent exhaustion and ensure continuous address availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary allocation of network address pools to nodes before VCIs are fully deployed or based on predicted needs. By proactively allocating addresses in advance based on VCI quantity forecasts, the system prevents address exhaustion delays while maintaining the ability to adjust allocations as actual deployment patterns emerge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If dynamic network address management is implemented, then fine-grained control and efficient allocation are achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network management system as an intermediary layer between the physical network infrastructure and the VCIs. This intermediary handles the complexity of dynamic address allocation, querying VCI quantities, calculating pool sizes, and performing reallocations, thereby shielding end users from the underlying complexity while maintaining high allocation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If fixed address pools are allocated to nodes, then each node has guaranteed address availability, but unused addresses cannot be reallocated to other nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress availability guaranteeVSAvoidwaste of network addresses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a recovery mechanism where network address pools that are no longer needed by certain nodes (due to VCI removal or reduced requirements) are automatically reclaimed and made available for reallocation. The network management system identifies surplus addresses, releases them from the original node's pool, and redistributes them to nodes with higher address demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20250126095A1Dynamic network address management
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 VMWARE INC
  • US20250126095A1 patent drawing
  • US20250126095A1 patent drawing
  • US20250126095A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for network address management is provided. Embodiments include determining a creation of a namespace associated with a cluster of computing devices, wherein a subset of computing resources of the cluster of computing devices is allocated to the namespace. Embodiments include assigning, to the namespace, a network address pool comprising a plurality of network addresses in a subnet, wherein the assigning causes the plurality of network addresses to be reserved exclusively for the namespace. Embodiments include receiving an indication that a pod is added to the namespace. Embodiments include, in response to the receiving of the indication, assigning a network address from the network address pool to the pod.