Logical Network Management for Virtual Storage Appliances in Cloud Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of virtual storage appliances (VSAs) in cloud computing environments is hindered by differences in networking configurations between on-premises and cloud environments, including limitations on network interfaces, addresses, and dynamic address management, which reduces effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a logical network for a virtual storage appliance in a cloud computing environment, where network addresses, gateways, and MTUs are automatically managed, allowing for user-defined settings and the use of floating network addresses, which are dynamically allocated and managed within the cloud environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual network configuration is used in on-premises storage systems, then network settings can be explicitly specified, but deployment effectiveness is reduced in cloud environments due to networking differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers cloud networking parameters (subnets, gateways, DNS servers) and configures logical networks without requiring manual administrator intervention. The VSA deployment process self-configures network interfaces, IP addresses, and routing based on cloud environment detection, eliminating the need for manual network configuration while maintaining adaptability to cloud-specific networking models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud networking limitations (single subnet per interface, limited network addresses) are enforced, then cloud environment compatibility is improved, but network flexibility and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network functionality by creating multiple logical networks (management network, storage network, service network) that can be independently configured and managed. Each logical network operates within cloud networking constraints but provides dedicated functionality, allowing flexible network operations while maintaining compatibility with cloud environment limitations regarding subnets and network addresses per interface.
3Extent of automation
If automatic dynamic network address management is implemented, then cloud environment integration is improved, but manual control over network addresses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic network address management where IP addresses, subnets, and gateway configurations are automatically discovered and assigned based on cloud environment conditions. The network configuration adapts dynamically to cloud networking changes while maintaining the ability to define logical network structures and policies, balancing automation with operational control through a declarative configuration approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing system for generating a logical network for a virtual storage appliance deployed in a cloud computing environment. The logical network may be associated with a cloud subnet network interface within the cloud computing environment. One or more logical network addresses may be allocated from the cloud subnet network interface within the cloud computing environment to the virtual storage appliance.