Network Connection Container for Physical Virtual Interworking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques face challenges in seamlessly interworking between physical and virtual networks, particularly in adapting virtualization technologies to mixed environments of virtual machines and physical devices, due to limitations in existing virtual network solutions like VxLAN, which struggle to efficiently manage communication and routing between different network layers.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for interworking between physical and virtual networks are introduced, utilizing a network connection container with a first virtual LAN interface for physical networks, a second virtual LAN interface for virtual networks, and a virtual extensible LAN interface to connect them, along with configuring corresponding routing information to facilitate packet transmission between the two environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Vxlan technology is used to create a two-layer network on a three-layer IP network, then communication between VMs in different data centers is enabled, but the system cannot easily adapt to mixed environments of VMs and physical devices in the same logical layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to mixed VM and physical device environmentsVSAvoidnetwork structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network connection container is designed to handle multiple network types (Vxlan two-layer networks and traditional three-layer IP networks) through a unified interface. The container can simultaneously establish Vxlan tunnels for VM-to-VM communication and route packets for physical device communication, making the system universally applicable to both virtualized and physical network environments without requiring separate complex configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a two-layer network structure is implemented using Vxlan, then VM communication is simplified, but physical devices cannot be seamlessly integrated into the same logical network layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of physical devices with virtual networksVSAvoidnetwork configuration simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network connection container acts as an intermediary component between the Vxlan virtual network and the physical network infrastructure. It receives packets from physical devices, determines whether they are Vxlan packets or traditional IP packets, and routes them appropriately. This mediator approach enables seamless integration of physical devices into the virtual network without requiring complex configuration changes to either the Vxlan or physical network sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If routing information is configured for network connection containers, then packet transmission between physical and virtual networks is enabled, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transmission efficiencyVSAvoidrouting configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The routing functionality is segmented and integrated directly into the network connection container rather than being managed by a separate complex routing system. Each container is configured with specific routing information for its associated network, allowing distributed and modular routing management. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by localizing routing decisions at the container level while maintaining efficient packet transmission through direct routing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3437259B1Interworking between physical network and virtual network
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LTD
  • EP3437259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3437259B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3437259B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and device for interworking between a physical network and a virtual network is provided. The implementations may include creating a network connection container. The network connection container may include a first virtual LAN interface configured to connect to a physical network, a second virtual LAN interface configured to connect to a virtual network, and a virtual extensible LAN interface configured to connect the first virtual LAN interface and the second virtual LAN interface. The implementations may further include configuring corresponding routing information for the network connection container and transmitting packets between the physical network and the virtual network via the network connection container based on the routing information. Thus, the network connection container may be added to various network interfaces to achieve physical network and virtual network interworking.