Multi-cluster Isolation in Distributed Computing Accounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed computing systems, such as those using the Apache Hadoop framework, do not support isolation of clusters created under the same customer account, which can lead to security and data access issues for customers who need to isolate their data and resources from each other.
Innovation Solution
Implementing isolation mechanisms such as network isolation, data isolation, and instance isolation for clusters created under a single customer account, including the use of virtual private clouds (VPCs), identity and access management, and storage system prefixes to restrict access and communication between clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple clusters are created under the same customer account for resource sharing, then resource utilization and cost efficiency are improved, but security and data isolation between clusters deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the customer account into multiple isolated clusters, each with its own network namespace, security context, and resource allocation. This allows the same customer to run multiple isolated clusters for different tenants or workloads, maintaining data isolation while sharing the underlying infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary isolation layer between clusters that includes network isolation mechanisms, identity and access management boundaries, and storage system prefix separation. This intermediary layer enables multiple clusters to coexist under one customer account while preventing unauthorized cross-cluster access.
2Reliability
If cluster isolation mechanisms are implemented for security, then data protection and unauthorized access prevention are improved, but system complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically provisioning isolation configurations when clusters are created. The system automatically assigns unique network namespaces, configures identity and access management policies, and sets up storage system prefixes without requiring manual intervention, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining strong isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal isolation framework that handles multiple isolation requirements (network, identity, storage) through a unified mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same isolation infrastructure to serve multiple clusters under different customer accounts, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple isolation layers.
Data Source
AI summary
At the request of a customer, a distributed computing service provider may create multiple clusters under a single customer account, and may isolate them from each other. For example, various isolation mechanisms (or combinations of isolation mechanisms) may be applied when creating the clusters to isolate a given cluster of compute nodes from network traffic from compute nodes of other clusters (e.g., by creating the clusters in different VPCs); to restrict access to data, metadata, or resources that are within the given cluster of compute nodes or that are associated with the given cluster of compute nodes by compute nodes of other clusters in the distributed computing system (e.g., using an instance metadata tag and/or a storage system prefix); and/or restricting access to application programming interfaces of the distributed computing service by the given cluster of compute nodes (e.g., using an identity and access manager).