Dynamic Network Port Provisioning via Template Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management solutions face inefficiencies and security concerns due to pre-provisioning of network ports and devices, which leads to inefficient resource usage and complexity in managing virtual machine migrations within data centers, and rely on complex tools that require static network topology descriptions.
Innovation Solution
A method where network devices dynamically provision ports and devices based on device identifiers received from host devices, selecting configuration templates from a library to configure network resources without the need for external management orchestration tools, allowing for dynamic and efficient provisioning of virtual resources during migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-provisioning of network ports and devices is performed, then network resources are reserved for virtual machine migration, but resource usage efficiency deteriorates due to forwarding traffic to unconnected ports and processing packets for inactive virtual resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary provisioning of network ports and devices before virtual machine migration is needed. Configuration templates are pre-configured with network parameters, and when a virtual machine needs to migrate, the system activates the appropriate pre-configured port and provisions it with the stored configuration data, enabling seamless migration while avoiding the waste of continuously processing traffic for inactive resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates configuration copies of network port settings and device parameters that can be rapidly instantiated. Instead of provisioning each port from scratch, the system copies pre-configured template data to the target port, enabling fast activation of network resources for migrating virtual machines without the overhead of full provisioning cycles for each activation event
2Ease of operation
If complex management and policy orchestration tools are used to manage migration and provisioning, then network ports and devices can be provisioned based on topology descriptions, but system complexity increases due to difficulty in compiling, maintaining, and verifying topology descriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network devices and virtualization management software to automatically discover network topology and self-provision ports without requiring manual compilation or verification of topology descriptions. The virtualization management software queries network devices for current topology information and automatically generates provisioning configurations, eliminating the need for administrators to manually create and maintain complex topology documentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where network devices report their current state and topology information back to the virtualization management software. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust provisioning decisions based on actual network conditions, automatically verifying configurations and correcting mismatches without requiring manual intervention or complex verification procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If static topology descriptions are provided a priori, then network provisioning can be determined based on predefined requirements, but adaptability deteriorates because static requirements cannot accommodate dynamic network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static topology descriptions to dynamic topology discovery. Instead of relying on predefined network layouts, the system continuously queries network devices to obtain current topology information and automatically adjusts provisioning decisions based on real-time network conditions, enabling the system to adapt to topology changes without requiring manual updates to static descriptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of topology representation from fixed static descriptions to dynamic queried data. By changing how topology information is obtained and represented, the system enables automatic adaptation to network changes while maintaining the automation benefits of structured provisioning processes
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a device identifier associated with a virtual resource, determining a configuration template identifier based on the device identifier, and selecting a configuration template from a library of configuration templates based on the configuration template identifier. The receiving, determining, and selecting are at a network device. The virtual resource is hosted by a host device. The device identifier is received from the host device.