Automated Host Interface Assignment for Virtual Machine Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of host interfaces for attaching logical networks to virtual machines in data centers is cumbersome, error-prone, and time-consuming, especially in large-scale environments, leading to increased administrative overhead and reduced system performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automated interface selection policy that dynamically assigns host interfaces to logical networks based on conditions such as load balancing, physical network conditions, and network configuration information, allowing for efficient attachment of logical networks to virtual machines without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration of host interfaces is used to attach logical networks to virtual machines, then network attachment can be achieved, but administrative overhead increases and system performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork attachment operationVSAvoidtime for interface configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting and assigning host interfaces to logical networks without requiring manual administrator intervention. The interface selection policy enables the system to autonomously configure network attachments based on predefined criteria, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining proper network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interface selection policy is established in advance with predefined criteria for interface selection. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically make informed decisions about which host interfaces to assign to logical networks, eliminating the need for manual configuration at the time of network attachment and significantly reducing administrative overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual configuration of host interfaces is used, then network attachment can be established, but error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork attachment accuracyVSAvoidinterface configuration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated interface selection process eliminates manual configuration errors by allowing the system to autonomously select appropriate host interfaces based on predefined policies. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent and accurate network attachments without the errors that typically arise from manual configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interface selection policy incorporates feedback mechanisms that evaluate network conditions, interface availability, and attachment requirements to make informed selection decisions. This feedback-driven approach ensures that the correct host interfaces are assigned to logical networks, maintaining high reliability while automating the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated interface selection policy is implemented, then administrative overhead is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration efficiencyVSAvoidinterface selection policy system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface selection policy is configured in advance with all necessary selection criteria and parameters. This preliminary setup consolidates the complexity into a one-time configuration task, after which the system automatically executes the policy without requiring complex real-time decision-making processes, thereby maintaining high productivity while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interface selection policy acts as an intermediary layer between the network management system and the host interfaces. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a standardized interface for automated selection, reducing the complexity burden on both the management system and the underlying network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10833925B2Attachment of a logical network to a virtual machine

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 RED HAT ISRAEL

AI summary

A request to attach a logical network to a virtual machine is received. The cluster associated with the virtual machine is identified. The cluster includes a plurality of hosts. A host interface of each host of the plurality of hosts in the cluster is identified in view of an interface selection policy. The host interface of each of the hosts of the plurality of hosts in the cluster is assigned to the logical network.