Network Condition Simulation via Virtualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Testing network components and resources to simulate performance under stress conditions, such as increased loads and failures, is time-consuming and costly, especially in hosted environments like public cloud computing where users lack direct control over infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to programmatically simulate various network conditions, including failures and traffic loads, using application programming interfaces (APIs) to introduce scenarios like DDoS attacks, packet loss, and corruption, enabling users to test how network resources react without requiring physical testing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardware components are used to test network components, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network components and testing hardware through software simulation. Instead of using physical hardware test equipment, the system implements virtual network devices and testing environments that replicate real-world behavior, thereby eliminating the need for complex physical testing infrastructure while maintaining testing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical testing hardware with software-based virtualization technology. The virtualization layer substitutes physical testing equipment with virtual network devices that can be programmatically controlled, eliminating the need for complex physical device configuration and reducing testing complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If physical testing hardware is deployed, then testing capability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements virtual testing environments that can be pre-configured and deployed rapidly without the time-consuming setup required for physical hardware. Virtual network devices and testing scenarios can be instantiated immediately through software configuration, eliminating the time required for physical hardware assembly, configuration, and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual copies of network components that can be rapidly deployed and configured through software. These virtual devices replicate the functionality of physical hardware but can be instantiated and modified instantly, dramatically reducing the time required to set up and execute testing scenarios while maintaining full testing capability.
3Ease of operation
If hosted environment infrastructure is used, then accessibility is improved, but control over testing capabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the hosted environment infrastructure and the user. This virtual layer provides users with full control over testing capabilities through software configuration while running on the hosted infrastructure, effectively mediating between the constraints of the hosting provider and the user's need for flexible testing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual network devices and testing environments that run on the hosted infrastructure but are fully controllable by the user through software. These virtual copies provide the same level of control as physical hardware would, while leveraging the accessibility benefits of the hosted environment, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for programmatically simulating one or more system conditions for a network resource using one or more services. In one implementation, a server receives a request to initiate a treatment. The request identifies a treatment definition. The server determines, based on the treatment definition, the one or more services and deploys the one or more services to the network resource. The one or more services simulate the one or more system conditions.