Intermediate Host Encapsulation for Virtual Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data-plane connectivity between hosts in a virtualized computing environment can be lost or degrade over time due to configuration changes, failures, and network congestion, leading to service disruptions and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
Maintaining data-plane connectivity between hosts through an intermediate host that has connectivity with both hosts, using a process where the intermediate host is selected based on criteria such as round trip time, network bandwidth, and cost, and encapsulated packets are forwarded through this host to ensure continuous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct data-plane connectivity is established between hosts, then communication performance is improved, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to configuration changes, failures, and network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third host as an intermediary to maintain data-plane connectivity between first and second hosts. When direct connectivity is lost or degraded, the first host communicates with the second host through the intermediate third host, which forwards encapsulated packets. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing an alternative communication path that maintains reliability without sacrificing performance, as the intermediate host is selected based on connectivity metrics like round trip time and network bandwidth.
2Reliability
If intermediate hosts are used to maintain connectivity, then connectivity availability is improved, but network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of intermediate hosts based on current network conditions, round trip time, and connectivity status. The system monitors network state and adjusts the use of intermediate hosts accordingly, selecting them only when necessary to maintain connectivity. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between connectivity availability and network cost, using intermediate hosts selectively rather than always.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If direct host-to-host communication is used, then network cost is reduced, but connectivity resilience deteriorates when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes preliminary connectivity paths through intermediate hosts before direct connectivity is needed. The system proactively configures intermediate hosting relationships and monitors connectivity status, so when direct connectivity fails, the alternative path is already in place and can be activated immediately. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by ensuring resilience is available when needed while minimizing ongoing costs through selective activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods are provided for a first host to maintain data-plane connectivity with a second host via a third host in a virtualized computing environment. The method may comprise identifying an intermediate host, being the third host, having data-plane connectivity with both the first host and the second host. The method may also comprise: in response to detecting, from a first virtualized computing instance supported by the first host, an egress packet that includes an inner header addressed to a second virtualized computing instance supported by the second host, generating an encapsulated packet by encapsulating the egress packet with an outer header that is addressed from the first host to the third host instead of the second host; and sending the encapsulated packet to the third host for subsequent forwarding to the second host.