Logical Network Abstraction for Datacenter Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for deploying applications in datacenters face challenges due to the lack of understanding between server administrators and network administrators regarding networking requirements, leading to long lead times and multiple rounds of discussions to configure appropriate network settings.
Innovation Solution
The concept of logical networks is introduced, allowing server administrators to abstract away underlying network details such as subnets and VLANs, with these logical networks being mapped to physical network specifications on a per-site basis, enabling flexible and efficient deployment across different datacenter sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If server administrators directly configure physical network settings (subnets, VLANs), then network configuration precision may be improved, but deployment time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces logical networks as an intermediary layer between server administrators and physical network infrastructure. Server administrators configure applications using logical network parameters (logical subnets, logical VLANs) without needing to understand physical network details. The system automatically maps these logical configurations to appropriate physical network settings, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining configuration precision through the abstraction layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network configuration process into two independent layers: logical network configuration (handled by server administrators) and physical network mapping (handled automatically by the system). This segmentation allows server administrators to focus on application-specific network requirements without being burdened by physical network complexity, thus reducing deployment time while maintaining precision through automated mapping.
2Manufacturing precision
If server administrators understand and configure physical network details, then network configuration accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Logical networks serve as an intermediary that simplifies the operator's interface. Server administrators interact with high-level logical network concepts that are intuitive and application-oriented, while the system handles the complex physical network mapping automatically. This maintains configuration accuracy through automated translation while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an abstraction dimension to network configuration. Instead of working directly with physical network parameters in one dimension, the system introduces a logical network dimension that sits above the physical layer. This dimensional shift allows administrators to configure networks at a higher level of abstraction, improving ease of operation while the automated mapping ensures accuracy is maintained when translating to the physical dimension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If logical networks are mapped to physical networks on a per-site basis, then adaptability to different sites improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mapping between logical and physical networks that adapts automatically to different site configurations. Rather than requiring static, pre-configured mappings, the system dynamically determines the appropriate physical network mapping based on the target site's infrastructure. This provides site-specific adaptability while the automation reduces the perceived complexity for administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the complex mapping between logical and physical networks across multiple sites. When an application is deployed to a specific site, the system autonomously resolves the appropriate physical network configuration without requiring administrators to manually manage the complexity of site-specific mappings. This maintains high adaptability while the automated self-service approach masks the underlying complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An invention is provided for creating logical network abstractions of physical networks, and deploying computer services to physical networks based on a specified logical network. In an embodiment, a physical network is divided into one or more logical networks. Upon receiving an indication to deploy a computer service to a logical network, a mapping from that logical network to a sub-network of the physical network is determined, the service is configured to execute on the sub-network of the physical network, and an indication of this configuration of the service is stored.