Service Discovery via LLDP Embedding in Distributed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service discovery and configuration in distributed computer systems, particularly in virtualized environments, are resource-intensive and challenging due to the dynamic nature of data centers and the need for interoperability among multiple organizations and vendors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) to embed service information into data frames for transmission across a distributed computer system, enabling efficient service discovery and configuration through the use of service controller modules and Type-Length-Values (TLVs) to manage and update service meta-data across different network layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service discovery and configuration techniques are implemented in distributed computer systems with virtual machines, then clients can operate at desired target levels, but the operation becomes resource and capital intensive requiring multiple organizations and vendors to interoperate and cooperate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces service gateway entities as intermediaries between service-consuming clients (VMs) and service-providing resources. These gateways receive service discovery requests from clients, translate them into appropriate protocols, and coordinate with multiple service providers across different organizations and vendors. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of multi-vendor interoperability from both clients and service providers, enabling reliable service operation without requiring direct cooperation among all parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The service discovery system is segmented into distinct functional components: service-consuming clients, service gateway entities, and service-providing resources. Each segment has specific responsibilities - clients request services, gateways manage discovery and coordination, and providers deliver services. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through clear role definition and specialized functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service discovery and configuration are performed in dynamic data center environments, then service deployment flexibility is improved, but maintaining service configuration becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where service gateway entities continuously monitor service discovery requests, resource availability, and configuration states. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust service configurations, update service registries, and coordinate changes across the distributed system. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt to dynamic conditions while automatically maintaining configuration consistency, reducing the manual effort required despite increased deployment flexibility.
3Productivity
If multiple organizations and service vendors must interoperate for service discovery, then service coverage and availability are improved, but the resource and capital intensity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The service gateway entities are designed with universal, multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse service discovery requests from multiple organizations and vendors through a single standardized interface. Rather than requiring separate discovery mechanisms for each vendor or organization, the gateways provide unified service access, consolidation that reduces redundant resource consumption while maintaining broad service availability across the distributed system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for performing a service discovery on a distributed computer system includes obtaining information of a service that is provided by a host computer in the distributed computer system and embedding the information into a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) data frame to be transmitted from the host computer to another component of the distributed computer system.