Virtual NIC Reconfiguration for Live VM Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cloud computing resource systems require shutting down and relaunching virtual machines (VMs) or deleting and recreating them to switch network connectivity between customer networks, leading to downtime and resource latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically reconfigures the network connectivity of a VM by generating an event to trigger a DHCP request, allowing the VM to discover and update its network settings without shutdown or recreation, using a host operating system to manage network interface controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cloud computing resource systems shut down and relaunch virtual machines to switch network connectivity, then network connectivity can be changed, but downtime and resource latency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the virtual machine's network interface controller to be reconfigured dynamically during runtime without shutting down the VM. The host operating system dynamically updates the virtual network interface controller's network configuration information, allowing the VM to seamlessly switch network connectivity while remaining operational, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The host operating system acts as an intermediary between the virtual machine and the physical network infrastructure. It receives network allocation requests, detects DHCP discovery requests from the VM, and updates the virtual network interface controller's configuration information, enabling network connectivity changes without requiring VM shutdown and eliminating downtime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are deleted and recreated to change network connectivity, then network configuration can be updated, but computing resources are lost during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the virtual network interface controller while the virtual machine remains active. The host operating system updates network configuration information in real-time based on DHCP discovery requests, allowing network adaptability without VM deletion or recreation, thus maintaining continuous computing resource productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by keeping the virtual machine executing throughout the network configuration update process. The host operating system continuously manages the virtual network interface controller, detecting DHCP requests and updating network information without interrupting the VM's computational work, thereby maintaining uninterrupted productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are shut down to reconfigure network settings, then network connectivity can be switched, but service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the virtual network interface controller during VM runtime. The host operating system detects DHCP discovery requests and updates network configuration information without shutting down the VM, enabling network connectivity switching while maintaining continuous service availability and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The host operating system serves as an intermediary that handles network reconfiguration independently of the virtual machine's operational state. It detects DHCP requests from the running VM and updates the virtual network interface controller's configuration, allowing network adaptability without service interruption and maintaining high availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud computing resource system may receive an allocation request to connect the virtual machine to a customer network, wherein the virtual machine is executing while the allocation request is received and the allocation request includes network configuration information of the customer network. A cloud computing resource system may detect a discovery request from the virtual machine triggered by receipt of the allocation request, wherein the virtual machine remains executing during detection of the discovery request. A cloud computing resource system may update, responsive to detecting the discovery request from the virtual machine, a virtual network interface controller of the virtual machine with the network configuration information of the customer network, wherein the virtual machine remains executing during updating of the network configuration information.