Network Interface Address Change Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changing the network address of a network interface often disrupts existing connections, requiring service disruptions like system restarts, and is challenging to implement without impacting applications using the primary address.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that include an address change service to notify applications of an impending address change, allowing them to take necessary measures, such as closing connections, and a connection tracking service to monitor and wait for connections to close before updating the interface address, ensuring seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network address of an interface is changed, then the network address is updated to a new value, but existing connections using that address are disrupted and services must be restarted
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a notification to applications before the network address is actually changed, allowing applications to take preliminary actions such as closing existing connections. This preliminary notification mechanism ensures that when the address change occurs, existing connections are already terminated, preventing service disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where applications can respond to the address change notification by sending signals back to indicate they have taken necessary measures. The system monitors these feedback signals and only completes the address change after receiving confirmation from applications, ensuring a coordinated transition that maintains reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the primary network address is removed from an interface, then the address can be reassigned, but applications using the primary address are impacted negatively
Solution Approach 1:
Before removing the primary network address from the interface, the system sends a notification to all applications using that address. Applications can then take preliminary actions such as closing connections or preparing for the address change. This ensures that when the address is removed and reassigned, applications are already prepared and not negatively impacted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary notification mechanism between the address removal action and the applications. This intermediary layer allows the system to coordinate the address change process with applications, ensuring they are aware of and prepared for the change before it occurs, thereby reducing harmful impacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a system restart is performed to change the IP address, then the address change is implemented, but service downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of restarting the system to change the IP address, the system sends a notification to applications beforehand, allowing them to close connections and prepare for the address change. This preliminary action eliminates the need for a system restart, thereby avoiding service downtime while still implementing the address change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables applications to self-manage their connection state in response to the address change notification. Applications autonomously close their connections and prepare for the address change without requiring external intervention or system restart, thereby maintaining service continuity and eliminating downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention provides a method of reconfiguring a network interface. In some embodiments, this method includes the following steps: receiving information indicating that an operator desires to remove a first network address from the network interface and assign a second network address to the network interface; and in response to receiving the information, providing a notification to at least one computer program executing in the node such that the computer programs can take a necessary measure (e.g., close a connection that uses the first network address).