Logical Topology Creation in Virtual Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately and efficiently create logical topology information in complex virtual networks using multiple virtualization technologies, such as virtual LAN, virtual interface, and virtual router techniques, due to the complexity of managing and associating information across these technologies.
Innovation Solution
A configuration management method that extracts and analyzes setting information from physical devices to create logical topology information, using a management server to specify virtual resources and connection patterns, and visualize the logical topology, thereby reducing human error and time in acquiring network topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of device setting information is used to create logical topology diagrams, then human understanding of the process is maintained, but the time required and human error increase significantly in complex virtual networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-analysis of device configuration information to generate logical topology diagrams without manual intervention. The management server automatically extracts, analyzes, and processes configuration data from multiple devices to create accurate topology representations, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of inspecting and drawing topology diagrams is replaced with an automated information processing system. The management server uses software-based configuration analysis to automatically generate topology information, substituting human manual work with automated computational processes that are both faster and more accurate.
2Ease of operation
If manual inspection of device setting information is used to create logical topology diagrams, then the process can be understood by humans, but human error increases significantly in complex virtual networks
Solution Approach 1:
The management server acts as an intermediary between device configuration information and the final topology diagram. It automatically processes configuration data, extracts relevant topology information, and generates accurate diagrams, eliminating human error while maintaining the ability to produce understandable visual representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual process of inspecting and interpreting configuration information is replaced with automated information processing. The management server systematically analyzes device settings and generates topology diagrams without human intervention, eliminating human error while producing clear, understandable results.
3Productivity
If automatic analysis of device configuration information is implemented, then time and human error are reduced, but the complexity of managing multiple virtualization technologies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management server is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple types of virtualization technologies (L2 virtualization, L3 virtualization, and their combinations). It can automatically analyze and process configuration information from various device types and virtualization scenarios, making the system adaptable to diverse network environments without increasing operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex task of analyzing multiple virtualization technologies is segmented into manageable processing steps within the management server. The system divides the analysis into distinct phases: collecting configuration information, extracting topology data, and generating diagrams, which simplifies the overall complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If device settings are changed without updating management documents, then operational flexibility is improved, but information accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously analyzing current device configuration information and comparing it with stored topology data. When changes are detected in device settings, the management server automatically updates the logical topology diagrams to reflect the current state, ensuring information accuracy is maintained regardless of operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server performs self-updating by automatically detecting configuration changes and regenerating topology diagrams without requiring manual document updates. This self-service capability ensures that topology information remains accurate even when device settings are changed for operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
(1) A configuration management in a management server is carried out such that setting patterns regarding creation of plural types of virtual resources and setting patterns regarding connection between the plural types of virtual resources are extracted from setting information of network devices configuring a virtual network by using plural types of virtualization technologies, (2) an ID required for creating a virtual resource and a connection relation between virtual resources are extracted from the extracted setting pattern, (3) an element corresponding to a virtual resource or a connection between a pair of virtual resources is created by using information including the extracted ID, and (4) the elements created from setting information of individual devices are aggregated to thereby create logical topology information representing a topology of the virtual network.