Network Interface Virtualization for Seamless IP Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center virtualization technologies face challenges in reassigning private network addresses without service interruptions, particularly when migrating computing resources, leading to potential disruptions in user connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network interface virtualization service that allows for the dynamic reassignment of private IP addresses from one computing resource to another, maintaining existing connections and using a gateway device for network address translation, thereby minimizing service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If private network addresses are reassigned during resource migration, then resource flexibility and productivity are improved, but connection stability and reliability deteriorate due to service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network address translation (NAT) gateway as an intermediary component that decouples the private network address from the public network connection. The NAT gateway maintains translation mappings between public addresses and private addresses, allowing private addresses to be reassigned to different computing resources while external connections remain stable and uninterrupted. This mediator absorbs the change in private addressing without propagating it to external connections.
2Productivity
If network interface cards are reconfigured for resource allocation, then productivity and resource utilization are improved, but service continuity deteriorates due to connection disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing NAT translation mappings before private network addresses are reassigned. The NAT gateway pre-configures translation rules that will route traffic to new computing resources, ensuring that when address reassignment occurs, connections are seamlessly redirected without disruption. This preliminary setup of translation pathways enables resource reconfiguration while maintaining service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If computing resources are migrated to different physical systems, then adaptability and resource optimization are improved, but connection reliability worsens due to potential service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network addressing function into two independent layers: public network addresses that remain constant for external connections, and private network addresses that can be reassigned to different computing resources. This segmentation allows the private address layer to be optimized and reassigned without affecting the public address layer, enabling resource migration while maintaining connection reliability through the NAT gateway that bridges these layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A request is received to change an association of a network interface record from a first resource instance to a second resource instance. The network interface record may include an IP address associated with the first resource instance. In response to the request, the first resource instance is prevented from receiving data packets addressed to the IP address of the network interface record through a first network interface object attached to the first resource instance. The network interface record is associated with the second resource instance so that the second resource instance is enabled to receive data packets addressed to the IP address of the network interface record through a second network interface object attached to the second resource instance.