Logical Network Layer for Multi-Tenant Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network virtualization techniques in data centers require significant investments in new hardware and are dependent on specific technologies like Openflow and CISCO ACI, making them costly and inflexible for multi-tenant environments.
Innovation Solution
A method for network configuration in a multi-tenant environment that maps service profiles to logical networks, using logical routers, switches, and appliances, and then to physical hardware, allowing for efficient virtualization without requiring specialized hardware, by using a logical network layer that abstracts physical resources into pools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network virtualization is implemented using Openflow, Overlay, or proprietary technologies like CISCO ACI, then resource isolation between tenants is achieved, but networking equipment must be upgraded increasing capital and operating expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a logical network implementation layer as an intermediary between the service profile and physical network hardware. This logical layer includes logical routers, logical switches, and logical appliances that abstract the physical infrastructure, allowing network virtualization to be implemented without requiring specialized hardware upgrades. The logical network implementation acts as a mediator that enables tenant isolation while using existing physical network equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based virtualization approach (requiring specialized Openflow switches, Overlay hardware, or ACI appliances) with a software-based logical network implementation. By substituting the physical hardware requirements with logical network components implemented in software, the system achieves the same isolation goals without capital expenditure on new equipment.
2Reliability
If network virtualization is implemented using specialized hardware and proprietary technologies, then service isolation is achieved, but operating expenses and capital expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a logical copy of the physical network infrastructure through the logical network implementation layer. Instead of purchasing and deploying expensive proprietary hardware for each virtualization scenario, the system creates software-based logical representations (logical routers, switches, appliances) that replicate the functionality of physical devices. This copying approach enables multiple virtual networks to share the same physical infrastructure without requiring duplicate hardware for each tenant.
Solution Approach 2:
The logical network implementation provides universal functionality that can serve multiple tenants and services simultaneously. The logical routers, switches, and appliances can be configured to support different virtual networks, service profiles, and isolation requirements without requiring specialized hardware for each use case. This multi-functionality reduces both capital and operating expenses by eliminating the need for dedicated hardware per tenant or service.
3Quantity of substance
If existing network hardware is used without upgrades, then capital expenses are reduced, but network virtualization capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a logical network implementation dimension between the service profile and physical hardware layers. This intermediate dimension provides the virtualization capabilities that would otherwise require hardware upgrades. By operating at this logical layer, the system enables network virtualization functions (tenant isolation, service chaining, policy enforcement) without modifying the physical hardware dimension, thus maintaining cost efficiency while gaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A service description may be used in network virtualization in order to specify requirements of an application. In order to provide network virtualization for generic networking components, including legacy networking components, the service description is mapped to a logical network implementation and then subsequently mapped to a physical implementation.