Hypervisor VM Configuration via Switch LLDP TLV Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face inefficiencies in configuring virtual machines (VMs) on universal customer premises equipment (uCPE) due to the need for technical knowledge of physical and virtual networking attributes, and existing network orchestration software imposes a steep learning curve and is impractical for smaller deployments.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that automatically configure VMs using configuration information from a switch, leveraging Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) type-length-value (TLV) data structures, allowing hypervisors to instantiate and reconfigure VMs without manual user input, using an administrator console to provide configuration parameters that are then applied by the hypervisor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network administrators manually configure VMs on uCPE using traditional methods, then they can control the configuration process, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires extensive technical knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining configuration templates and physical-to-virtual port mappings before VM instantiation. When a VM needs to be deployed, the hypervisor automatically retrieves the appropriate template and applies the pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual real-time configuration and significantly reducing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hypervisor performs self-service by automatically discovering VM requirements, selecting appropriate configuration templates, and applying settings without human intervention. The system monitors VM instantiation events and autonomously configures physical-to-virtual port mappings, VLAN assignments, and network interface settings, freeing administrators from repetitive manual tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full-fledged network orchestration software is used for VM configuration, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the system becomes complex and impractical for smaller deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential configuration management functions from complex network orchestration software and integrates them directly into the hypervisor. By removing unnecessary orchestration layers and keeping only the core VM configuration capabilities, the system achieves comprehensive control for smaller deployments without the bloat of full-fledged orchestration platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges VM configuration management with the hypervisor's core functions, combining resource allocation, port mapping, VLAN configuration, and network interface setup into a unified hypervisor-based system. This integration eliminates the need for separate orchestration software and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full configuration capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If administrators provide detailed configuration commands for each VM, then precise control is achieved, but the process becomes inefficient and scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters from detailed manual configuration commands to high-level template-based definitions. Administrators define VM configurations using abstract templates with parameters like VM name, CPU allocation, and memory size, while the hypervisor automatically translates these into specific physical port mappings, VLAN IDs, and network interface settings, maintaining precision while dramatically improving deployment efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include systems and methods for automatically configuring a VM on a server using information from a switch located remotely from the server. The switch can provide the configuration information in a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (“LLDP”) type-length-value (“TLV”) data structure. The configuration information can include various information related to configuring a VM, such as a VM identifier, an indication of a physical port of the server, a VM interface that corresponds to the identified physical port, and a virtual local area network (“VLAN”) identifier indicating that a particular VLAN corresponds to the VM, VM interface, or the physical port. The hypervisor can use this configuration information to automatically configure a newly instantiated VM, or reconfigure a VM for a new task, without manual user input.