Logical Network Configuration Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed virtual networks, users lack real-time visualization of whether the desired state for logical entities has been realized in the physical network infrastructure, making it difficult to diagnose and manage configuration changes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method for real-time visualization of configuration changes in logical networks, where the realization status of configuration changes for logical entities is displayed on a user interface, indicating success, progress, or errors, and identifying each transport node that implements the logical entity, with information on pending changes and their sources, such as user input or topology changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of configuration changes is implemented across distributed transport nodes, then network management visibility and diagnostic capability are improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane as an intermediary layer between the management plane and transport nodes. The control plane receives desired state information from the management plane, processes it, and distributes it to transport nodes. It also collects realization status information from transport nodes and reports back to the management plane, thereby mediating the information flow and reducing direct complexity between management and transport layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where transport nodes report their configuration realization status back to the control plane, which then provides visibility to the management plane. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring of whether desired configuration changes have been successfully implemented across the distributed network infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive configuration status tracking is implemented across all transport nodes, then diagnostic accuracy and network management capability are improved, but information processing overhead and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management system into distinct functional planes: the management plane for high-level configuration management, the control plane for processing and distribution, and transport nodes for implementation. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks efficiently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane pre-processes desired state information received from the management plane before distributing it to transport nodes. By performing preliminary processing and validation, the system reduces the time required at each subsequent stage, thereby reducing overall information processing overhead while maintaining accurate status tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method for visualizing a realization status of configuration changes for a set of logical entities of a logical network. The method generates a first presentation of a list of logical entities and a realization status for each logical entity in the list, where the realization status indicates whether all configuration changes for the logical entity have been realized. In response to a selection of a particular logical entity in the displayed list for which at least one configuration change has not been realized, the method generates a second presentation comprising a view of pending configuration changes for the selected particular logical entity.