Logical Network Entity Configuration Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networking, conflicting configuration settings for logical network entities can arise due to different user types configuring various entities, leading to resource-intensive processes in determining effective configurations, especially when multiple users apply settings to the same entity through different groups, resulting in conflicts that require priority resolution.
Innovation Solution
Distribute conflicting configuration settings and their sources to host computers implementing the logical network entities, allowing them to determine the effective configuration, rather than relying on a central network manager or controller, and utilize group membership and configuration profiles with priority values to resolve conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central network manager or controller determines the effective configuration settings for numerous logical entities, then centralized control and coordination are maintained, but computational resources and processing time are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration determination process by dividing the system into a central network manager that stores and manages configuration settings, and distributed network entities (switches, routers, firewalls) that independently determine their own effective configurations by evaluating priorities and conflicts locally. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on the central controller while maintaining centralized control over the configuration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a standardized interface and protocol that enables communication between the central network manager and distributed network entities. This intermediary allows the central manager to provide configuration settings without requiring direct computational involvement in the conflict resolution process, thereby reducing its computational burden while maintaining control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users with different access levels configure the same logical network entity through different groups, then diverse configuration needs are met, but configuration conflicts arise requiring complex priority resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to configuration settings based on user access levels and entity types. Each network entity evaluates its own configuration conflicts locally by comparing priorities of different users' settings, allowing flexible multi-user configuration while simplifying conflict resolution through localized priority-based decision-making rather than complex centralized arbitration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of configuration management by introducing explicit priority values associated with each configuration setting and user type. This parameter transformation converts complex multi-user configuration conflicts into simpler comparisons of numerical priority values, enabling automated local resolution at each network entity without requiring complex centralized conflict arbitration.
3Productivity
If configuration settings are distributed to host computers for local evaluation, then processing efficiency is improved, but network latency in retrieving configuration data may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the central network manager pre-store and make readily available all configuration settings for network entities. This preliminary preparation ensures that when distributed network entities need configuration data, it is already available in a retrieve-ready state, minimizing access time while enabling efficient local processing of configuration determinations.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method, for configuring logical network entities at a host computer. The method receives configuration data for a particular logical networking entity implemented at the host computer. The method identifies that the configuration data for the particular logical networking entity includes at least two conflicting configuration settings for the particular logical networking entity. At least one of the configuration settings for the particular logical networking entity is based on association of a configuration profile to a group of logical entities that includes the particular logical networking entity. The method determines a particular one of the conflicting configuration settings with a highest priority to apply to the particular logical networking entity at the host computer.