Host Peer-to-Peer Control Information Exchange for SDN Connectivity Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized computing environments, hosts may lose control-plane connectivity with the SDN controller, leading to performance degradation due to out-of-synchronization issues, as they cannot obtain the latest control information.
Innovation Solution
A host operating in a headless mode can utilize a peer-to-peer network to obtain and distribute control information, enabling continued functionality and reducing synchronization issues by connecting with other hosts to retrieve and update control data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a host relies on centralized SDN controller for control information, then control information can be centrally managed, but the host becomes vulnerable to control-plane connectivity loss and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer host as an intermediary to relay control information when the SDN controller is inaccessible. The peer host acts as a mediator that stores and forwards control plane data packets to the isolated host, enabling indirect communication path that bypasses the failed direct connection to the SDN controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local control plane information caching on peer hosts within the data center network. Instead of requiring all hosts to directly access the centralized SDN controller, control information is locally stored on peer hosts, enabling fast local retrieval and reducing dependency on the centralized controller for routine operations.
2Loss of information
If control information is centrally managed by SDN controller, then centralized control is achieved, but hosts cannot obtain control information when control-plane connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary caching of control plane data packets on peer hosts before connectivity loss occurs. Control information is pre-stored on multiple peer hosts during normal operation, so when a host loses connectivity to the SDN controller, it can immediately retrieve control information from the pre-positioned caches on peer hosts without requiring complex real-time retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of control plane information and stores them on multiple peer hosts. Instead of relying on a single centralized source, the same control information is replicated across multiple hosts in the network, ensuring that at least one copy is always accessible even when direct controller connectivity is lost.
3Productivity
If host operates in headless mode without control-plane connectivity, then host can continue basic operations, but synchronization with latest control information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the isolated host can request control plane information from peer hosts, and peer hosts can detect when hosts are in headless mode and proactively provide control information updates. This feedback loop ensures that even hosts operating in headless mode can eventually synchronize with the latest control information through their peers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses peer hosts as intermediaries to maintain synchronization for hosts in headless mode. When a host cannot directly communicate with the SDN controller, peer hosts mediate the information exchange by providing control plane data packets, enabling the isolated host to maintain synchronization indirectly through the peer intermediary.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods are provided for a first host to handle control-plane connectivity loss in a virtualized computing environment that includes the first host, multiple second hosts and a network management entity. The method may comprise: detecting a loss of control-plane connectivity between the first host and the network management entity; and generating a request message for control information that the first host is unable to obtain from the network management entity. The method may also comprise sending the request message via a peer-to-peer network that connects the first host with the multiple second hosts; and obtaining the control information from a response message that is sent by at least one of the multiple second hosts.