Kernel Space Virtual Router for Cloud L2 Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud platforms lack the capability to support routing protocols between Layer 2 (L2) networks, requiring manual population of forwarding tables and hindering inter-domain interactions, especially in virtual machine environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual router in the kernel space of a cloud server to facilitate communication between L2 networks, utilizing hypervisor-based virtualization and container-based virtualization to provide Layer 3 (L3) routing services, reducing the need for operator intervention and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual population of forwarding tables is used, then routing functionality can be implemented, but operator intervention is required which reduces automation and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual router automatically discovers L2 networks and populates its forwarding tables without operator intervention. The system self-configures by detecting L2 networks through virtual switches and automatically establishing routing relationships, eliminating the need for manual forwarding table population while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual router implements bidirectional communication with L2 networks through quantum routers that provide feedback mechanisms. This automatic feedback loop allows the system to detect network topology changes and dynamically update routing tables, achieving automated routing functionality without increasing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If L3 routing service is implemented between L2 networks, then inter-domain interaction is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual router acts as an intermediary between L2 networks and L3 routing requirements. It sits between the quantum L2 networks and provides routing functionality without requiring the underlying L2 networks to be complex. The virtual router handles all L3 protocol complexity internally while presenting a simple L2 interface to existing networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual router implementation in quantum provides universal routing functionality that works across multiple L2 networks and supports various routing protocols simultaneously. This multi-functional approach enables inter-domain interaction without requiring separate complex implementations for different scenarios, as the quantum platform handles diverse routing needs through a unified mechanism.
3Speed
If communication paths are processed in user space, then flexibility is maintained, but communication speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual router merges L3 routing functionality directly into the kernel space where L2 networks operate. By combining L2 and L3 processing in the same kernel space environment, the system eliminates context switching between user and kernel space, significantly improving packet forwarding speed while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing functionality is extracted from the traditional user-space application model and placed directly into the kernel space. This extraction eliminates the performance penalty of user-space processing while the quantum platform's modular architecture manages the resulting complexity through structured kernel-integrated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer environment and cloud server configured to facilitate communication among plural networks established in the cloud server. The cloud server (400) includes hardware components (802) configured to process and store information; a hypervisor (430) configured to run on the hardware components (802) and also configured to provide a virtual platform in a kernel space (404); a first virtual machine (410) running on the virtual platform in a user space (402); a first L2aaS network (414) connected to the first virtual machine (410), the first L2aaS network (414) being located in the kernel space (404); a second virtual machine (416) running on the virtual platform in the user space (402); a second L2aaS network (418) connected to the second virtual machine (416), the second L2aaS network (418) being located in the kernel space (404); and a virtual router (424) located in the kernel space (404) and connected to the first L2aaS network (414) and the second L2aaS network (418). The virtual router (424) is configured to provide router functionality between the first and second L2aaS networks (414, 418).