Hybrid Virtual Network Intra-Stack MAC Overwrite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud environments face challenges in enabling efficient data communication between virtual machines (VMs) across different physical stacks, as layer 2 network solutions cannot be extended beyond a single virtual network.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid virtual network is provided by using a hypervisor to determine whether a target VM is within the same stack, allowing for MAC address overwrite for intra-stack data link layer protocol transmission or encapsulation for network layer protocol tunneling between stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If layer 2 network solution is used for data communication between VMs, then communication speed and efficiency are improved, but the solution cannot be extended between different physical stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication approach into two distinct paths: layer 2 network solutions for intra-stack communication and tunneling solutions for inter-stack communication. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific use case, resolving the contradiction between speed and extendability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tunneling mechanism as an intermediary that enables layer 2 network solutions to be extended across physical stacks. The tunneling protocol acts as a mediator that encapsulates layer 2 frames within layer 3 packets, allowing high-speed layer 2 communication to span multiple physical boundaries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tunneling solution is used between VMs, then network extension between stacks is enabled, but communication efficiency is reduced compared to layer 2 solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different communication mechanisms tailored to specific locations: layer 2 network solutions are used within stacks where high efficiency is needed, while tunneling solutions are used between stacks where extension is needed. This localized approach optimizes overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture is segmented into efficient local layer 2 networks within stacks and extended tunneling networks between stacks. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity locally while achieving versatility globally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid virtual network is implemented, then both intra-stack and inter-stack communication are supported, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection where the system automatically chooses between layer 2 network solutions and tunneling solutions based on whether communication is intra-stack or inter-stack. This dynamic approach manages complexity by providing clear decision logic rather than requiring manual configuration of multiple protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid virtual network implementation provides multi-functionality by supporting both layer 2 and tunneling protocols within the same network infrastructure. This universality allows a single system to handle diverse communication requirements without requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a hybrid virtual network, includes: receiving from a source VM, by a hypervisor of a first stack, a packet to be transmitted to a target VM within a virtual network includes multiple VMs spanning a multiple stacks, where each stack includes an aggregation of compute, storage, and network resources and separate stacks are coupled for data communications via a network level protocol; if the target VM is located in the first stack, overwriting a MAC address of in the packet with a replacement MAC address for transmission via a data link layer protocol and transmitting the packet with the data link layer protocol; and if the target VM is not located in the first stack, encapsulating the packet for tunneling via a network layer protocol and transmitting the encapsulated packet with the network layer protocol.