Dynamic Network Topology Discovery for Virtual Resource Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server and network management tools rely on static descriptions of network topology, which become outdated in virtualized networks due to dynamic changes such as virtual machine migration, leading to inaccurate provisioning and network performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A centralized network management module that collects and manages network topology information by associating device identifiers from external management entities with network devices, allowing dynamic discovery and management of virtual resource locations without relying on static descriptions, using protocols like LLDP to query and push information from access switches to the network management module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static descriptions of network topology are used, then network management tools can initially provision devices accurately, but the topology information becomes outdated when virtual machines migrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static topology descriptions to dynamic topology discovery. The network management module continuously queries network devices and virtual machines to obtain current topology information, ensuring accuracy without manual updates. This dynamic approach automatically adapts to virtual machine migrations and network changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where network devices and virtual machines provide topology information back to the network management module. Through querying and receiving responses from network devices about their connections and virtual machines about their locations, the system continuously updates topology information to maintain accuracy.
2Reliability
If static topology descriptions are maintained manually, then initial provisioning is accurate, but network performance degrades due to outdated information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic topology discovery that continuously queries network devices and virtual machines to maintain accurate provisioning information. This ensures reliability of provisioning while preventing network performance degradation by keeping topology information current without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The network devices and virtual machines themselves provide topology information when queried by the network management module. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual updates and ensures that provisioning accuracy is maintained automatically, preventing network performance degradation from outdated information.
3Measurement precision
If dynamic querying of network devices is implemented, then topology information remains current, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network management module serves multiple functions: it provisions network devices, discovers topology information, tracks virtual machine locations, and maintains accurate binding information all through a single centralized system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite implementing dynamic querying.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management module acts as an intermediary between external management entities, network devices, and virtual machines. It centralizes the complexity of dynamic topology discovery and provisioning, providing a simplified interface to external entities while maintaining accurate topology information through coordinated querying of network devices and virtual machines.
4Adaptability or versatility
If centralized topology management is implemented, then dynamic virtual resource management is enabled, but the need for static descriptions is eliminated requiring new management approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized network management module provides universal functionality for managing both physical network devices and virtual resources through a single system. It handles provisioning, topology discovery, and dynamic tracking of virtual machine locations, enabling flexible virtual resource management while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management module serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of dynamic topology management from external management entities. It enables flexible virtual resource management by automatically tracking and reporting topology information, while maintaining ease of operation by providing a simplified interface that doesn't require users to understand or manually update topology details.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a provisioning instruction including a device identifier from an external management entity, receiving the device identifier from a network device, associating the provisioning instruction the network device, and sending a portion of the provisioning instruction to the network device. The device identifier being associated with a virtual resource. The associating is based on the device identifier of the virtual resource and a device identifier of a network device. The portion of the provisioning instruction is sent to the network device based on the associating.