Logical Router Configuration on Edge Nodes via Policy Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical and logical networks require manual configuration of logical routers on edge nodes, which is inefficient and lacks automation, especially when connecting logical networks to external networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool for automatically configuring logical routers on edge nodes based on a configuration policy, using a distributed routing component and service routing components, where the management plane identifies and configures ideal edge nodes without user intervention, considering constraints and ranking rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual configuration of logical routers on edge nodes is used, then configuration flexibility and control are maintained, but configuration efficiency and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the logical router configuration is automatically deployed to edge nodes based on policy definitions. The management plane automatically identifies suitable edge nodes, selects appropriate service routing components, and configures them without manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration policy is defined in advance with all necessary parameters including edge node selection criteria, service routing component specifications, and deployment rules. This preliminary definition allows the automation to execute smoothly without real-time human input, as all decision-making parameters are pre-established.
2Productivity
If automatic configuration is implemented, then configuration efficiency is improved, but configuration control and user intervention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the management plane monitors the configuration status, edge node availability, and service routing component performance. This feedback allows the system to adapt automatically while maintaining policy compliance, and enables users to review and adjust policies based on system state without needing to manually configure each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration policy framework is designed to be universal, handling multiple aspects of logical router deployment including edge node selection, service routing component configuration, and failover management through a single policy-based interface. This consolidates user control into a manageable policy layer while automating the complex execution details.
3Reliability
If distributed routing component is used across multiple host machines, then fault tolerance and scalability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logical router is segmented into a distributed routing component deployed across multiple host machines and service routing components deployed on edge nodes. This segmentation provides fault tolerance through distribution while the policy-based management framework simplifies the complexity by providing a unified view and control mechanism for the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The management plane acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of the distributed routing component. It handles the coordination, configuration, and monitoring of multiple distributed instances, abstracting the complexity from users while maintaining the reliability benefits of distribution. The policy framework serves as another intermediary layer that standardizes management across distributed components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If service routing components are configured on edge nodes, then network connectivity and routing capability are improved, but resource consumption on edge nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Service routing components are configured locally on specific edge nodes based on the configuration policy and edge node capabilities. This local quality approach places routing functionality only where needed and appropriate, optimizing resource usage by avoiding unnecessary deployments on edge nodes that don't require or support such components.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration policy enables dynamic deployment of service routing components on edge nodes based on changing network requirements, edge node resource availability, and traffic patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt routing capability to actual needs while managing resource consumption efficiently, rather than statically provisioning all edge nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method or tool for automatically configuring a logical router on one or more edge nodes of an edge cluster (e.g., in a hosting system such as a datacenter). The method of some embodiments configures the logical router on the edge nodes based on a configuration policy that dictates the selection method of the edge nodes. In some embodiments, an edge cluster includes several edge nodes (e.g., gateway machines), through which one or more logical networks connect to external networks (e.g., external logical and/or physical networks). In some embodiments, the configured logical router connects a logical network to an external network through the edge nodes.