Network Bridge Sharing Interfaces Between Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded computing devices with limited resources face challenges in running multiple operating systems due to limited processing and storage capabilities, and often lack support for network connectivity in some OS instances, making it desirable to share network interfaces between containers to enhance functionality without duplicating resource-intensive components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a host operating system that provides a network bridge to connect and share network interfaces between containers, allowing control clients to route packets and share external network interfaces, even if one OS lacks the necessary drivers, thereby enabling communication across containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating systems are run in separate containers on an embedded device, then functionality and data separation are improved, but processing power and storage resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges network functionality across multiple operating system containers by implementing a shared network namespace. Instead of each OS requiring separate network stacks and drivers, the system combines network resources into a common namespace that multiple OSes can access simultaneously, reducing duplicate code and resource consumption while maintaining isolation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared network namespace serves multiple functions: it provides network connectivity to multiple different operating systems, enables inter-OS communication, and maintains security boundaries. This single mechanism replaces what would otherwise require separate network infrastructure for each OS, achieving multi-functionality with minimal resource overhead.
2Quantity of substance
If a lightweight operating system is used to conserve resources, then processing and storage efficiency are improved, but network connectivity functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shared network namespace acts as an intermediary between the lightweight OS and the network infrastructure. The lightweight OS doesn't need its own network stack or drivers; instead, it accesses network resources through the shared namespace that is managed by the host system or another OS, thereby gaining network connectivity without the overhead of implementing full network support.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than copying the entire network stack and driver suite into each lightweight OS, the system creates a shared reference to the network namespace. Multiple OSes reference the same network resources, eliminating the need to duplicate network support code while maintaining the ability for each OS to use the network independently.
3Reliability
If network interfaces are duplicated in each operating system container, then each OS has independent network capability, but resource usage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges network interface resources into a shared namespace that multiple OS containers can access simultaneously. Instead of each container having its own physical or virtual network interface card, drivers, and network stack, the system combines these resources into a single shared infrastructure that provides network capability to all containers.
Solution Approach 2:
While merging the network infrastructure, the system maintains logical segmentation through the container architecture. Each OS container retains its own network namespace context, allowing independent network configuration and isolation, while physically sharing the underlying network resources. This segmentation maintains reliability without requiring resource duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for sharing a network interface between operating systems in an embedded device. A host operating system provides a network bridge. First and second operating systems provide first and second respective shared network interfaces connected to the bridge. A first external network interface is linked to the first shared network interface via a control client. The first external network interface is shared with the second operating system.