Dynamic Server Addition via Virtual Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Engineering network-based IP addressing and routing is a manual and time-consuming process, requiring significant labor to provision and configure IP addresses, especially in large data centers or during catastrophic events, where redirecting client requests to on-demand computing resources can take up to 2,000 hours.

Innovation Solution

A system for dynamic server addition using virtual routing that automatically provisions network addressing information, allocates IP addresses on demand, and updates routing information, allowing for the dynamic addition and reduction of server capacity without manual engineering, and includes a network centric application failover architecture to reroute requests to alternate data centers in case of failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual engineering is used to provision and configure IP addresses, then routing accuracy is maintained, but the time and labor required increases significantly (up to 2,000 hours)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTime to provision and configure IP addressesVSAvoidComplexity of IP addressing and routing configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-provisioning where new computing resources automatically obtain IP addresses from the registry service and configure their own routing information without manual engineering intervention. The virtual router service on each host computer automatically routes packets based on the routing information provided by the registry service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The registry service pre-allocates IP addresses from a pool of available addresses and stores them in association with computing resource identifiers before the resources are actually needed. When a new computing resource is added, the pre-configured routing information is already available, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic server addition is implemented, then adaptability to demand changes improves, but routing configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to add and remove server capacity dynamicallyVSAvoidComplexity of routing information management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The registry service provides universal functionality by serving as a central repository that manages IP address allocation, stores routing information, and provides this information to both new and existing computing resources. This single multi-functional service replaces multiple specialized configuration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the registry service receives notifications when computing resources are added or removed, automatically updates its routing information, and provides updated routing data back to the virtual router services. This continuous feedback loop maintains routing accuracy without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If manual routing configuration is used, then routing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming processes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpeed of deploying new computing resourcesVSAvoidTime required for IP address provisioning and routing setup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of IP address provisioning and routing configuration with an automated information-based system. The registry service automatically allocates IP addresses, stores routing information, and provides this data to virtual router services, eliminating the need for manual engineering tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If virtual routing is implemented for dynamic server addition, then deployment speed improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpeed of bringing up new computing resourcesVSAvoidComplexity of virtual router service and registry service integration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the routing functionality by implementing a virtual router service on each host computer rather than requiring a centralized routing system. Each virtual router service independently manages routing for its local computing resources by querying the registry service, dividing the overall routing complexity into manageable distributed units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7761595B1Dynamic server addition using virtual routing

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A communication system is provided. The system comprises a registry service that allocates internet protocol addresses and stores names associated with allocated internet protocol addresses. The system also comprises a virtual router service, residing on a host computer, that routes an internet protocol packet to a server application executing on the host computer. The system also comprises a script that requests a specific internet protocol address for the server application from the registry service and provides a name of the server application to the registry service, the registry service associating the name with the internet protocol address. The script also provides the specific internet protocol address linked with the server application to the virtual router service.