Hierarchical Network Managers for Cross-Domain VM Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hosting system architectures face limitations in linking virtual machines across multiple domains due to constraints on the number of virtual networks and machines that can communicate, especially in large data centers, where standard VLAN technology is insufficient.

Innovation Solution

A network management system with local domain management servers and a second-level management server coordinates the creation and maintenance of logical networks across multiple domains, enabling communication between virtual machines by allocating network identifiers and configuring distributed virtual switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard VLAN technology is used for network management, then network setup is simple, but the number of virtual networks is limited to 4,094

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of virtual networksVSAvoidnetwork management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network management system into hierarchical levels: second-level management servers handle high-level coordination and network identifier allocation, while local domain management servers handle domain-specific network creation and configuration. This segmentation allows the system to overcome VLAN limitations by creating logical networks that span multiple domains without requiring a flat, monolithic management structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces second-level management servers as intermediaries between the control plane and data plane. These servers allocate network identifiers and coordinate across multiple domains, enabling the system to manage large numbers of virtual networks beyond VLAN capabilities while maintaining operational simplicity through automated coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data center is divided into separate pods for management, then each pod can be managed independently, but virtual networks cannot span multiple pods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork span across domainsVSAvoidnetwork setup coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second-level management servers act as intermediaries that coordinate network creation across multiple domains (pods). When a logical network needs to span multiple domains, the second-level server allocates network identifiers and sends creation instructions to the appropriate local domain management servers, enabling seamless cross-domain connectivity without manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-allocating network identifiers at the second-level management server before network creation begins. This advance preparation ensures that when local domain management servers receive creation instructions, all necessary network parameters are already determined, enabling smooth cross-domain network deployment without coordination delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual coordination between pods is required, then network control is precise, but network setup becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setup speedVSAvoidnetwork configuration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automated coordination between management servers. When a logical network is created, the second-level management server automatically coordinates with local domain management servers, which in turn automatically configure their respective domains. This eliminates manual coordination while maintaining precise control, significantly improving network setup speed and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hierarchical management system incorporates feedback mechanisms where local domain management servers report status and configuration details back to the second-level management server. This automated feedback loop ensures precise control and coordination across domains without requiring manual intervention, accelerating network setup while maintaining operational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11070520B2Hierarchical network managers

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 VMWARE INC

AI summary

Some embodiments provide a network system that includes several host machines for hosting virtual machines, divided into several different domains. The network system includes several local domain management servers. A first local domain management server of a first domain is for (i) initiating creation of a set of distributed virtual switch ports associated with a particular logical network identifier on a host machine within its domain and (ii) attaching a first virtual machine on the host machine to a created port associated with the particular logical network identifier in order for the first virtual machine to send traffic over the logical network. The network system includes a second level management server for coordinating the use of logical network identifiers between multiple different logical domain management servers in order for the first virtual machine to communicate via the logical network with a second virtual machine in a second domain.