Network Bandwidth Manager for Virtual Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems face challenges in efficiently allocating network adapter bandwidth to virtualized network ports assigned to virtual machines, as existing methods lack dynamic and priority-based management, leading to suboptimal resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Network Bandwidth Manager (NBM) within the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) that allocates bandwidth based on network utilization and virtual machine priority, using analytics intelligence to determine priority levels and configure minimum and maximum bandwidth percentages for each virtual network port, leveraging an out-of-band channel for configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static bandwidth allocation is used for virtual network ports, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation that automatically adjusts network bandwidth assignment based on real-time virtual machine priorities and current network conditions. The BMC continuously monitors VM performance metrics and reconfigures bandwidth parameters without requiring manual intervention, transforming the static bandwidth allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing workload demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the BMC monitors network utilization metrics, VM performance data, and bandwidth consumption patterns. This feedback is processed to automatically adjust bandwidth allocation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes resource distribution based on actual system state and performance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual bandwidth configuration is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different virtual machine priorities deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the BMC autonomously performs bandwidth configuration based on VM priority levels and network conditions. The analytics component automatically generates bandwidth allocation recommendations, and the BMC executes configuration changes without requiring administrator intervention, allowing the system to adapt to different VM priorities automatically and eliminating manual configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring bandwidth parameters based on VM priority classifications before actual network traffic demands arise. The analytics component proactively analyzes VM workloads and pre-adjusts bandwidth allocations, ensuring that appropriate bandwidth is already available when needed, rather than reacting to performance issues after they occur.
3Productivity
If uniform bandwidth allocation is applied to all virtual network ports, then ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality differentiation by allocating bandwidth parameters specific to each virtual network port based on its associated VM's priority level and workload characteristics. Instead of uniform allocation, each VNP receives customized bandwidth parameters (minimum, maximum, current assignments) tailored to its specific requirements, optimizing network resource utilization for diverse workload types while maintaining automated management.
4Productivity
If dynamic bandwidth reallocation is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) serves as an intermediary that manages bandwidth allocation complexity independently from the virtualized environment. The BMC analytics component processes VM priority data, network utilization metrics, and bandwidth requirements, then translates these into configuration parameters. This intermediary architecture isolates the complexity of dynamic allocation algorithms from both the VMs and the network infrastructure, allowing efficient bandwidth management without increasing operational complexity for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method and system for allocating bandwidth among a plurality of virtual network ports assigned to a plurality of virtual machines accesses assignment information indicating which virtual network ports are assigned to which virtual machines. A network bandwidth manager (NBM) receives network utilization information indicating the network utilization of each virtual network port/The NBM further receives virtual machine priority information indicative of a derived priority for each of the plurality of virtual machines. The NBM configures bandwidth parameters for each of the virtual network ports based on the assignment information, network utilization information, and the virtual machine priority information.