Automatic Network Topology Detection for Merging Isolated Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merging two isolated networks is challenging due to the need for manual configuration and understanding of network topologies, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in environments like VMware Cloud Foundation where the customer's network topology is unknown to the VCF software.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically detects network topology by sending probe messages and receiving replies to determine configuration parameters of passive and active protocols, allowing the first network to configure itself for communication with the second network based on the detected topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used to merge two isolated networks, then network administrators can understand topology and create necessary configurations, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The network system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the topology of the second network through probe messages and protocol analysis, eliminating the need for manual administrator intervention. The system configures itself to enable communication between the first and second networks based on detected topology parameters such as switch count, link types, and protocol configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic detection and analysis systems. Probe messages automatically query the second network, and software algorithms analyze responses to determine topology characteristics, substituting human administrators with automated computational systems.
2Productivity
If automated probe messages are sent to detect network topology, then configuration time is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to protocol analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized network protocols (ARP, LLDP, CDP, BPDUs) as intermediaries to extract topology information. These existing protocols act as mediators that the detection system can query without requiring custom complex communication mechanisms, simplifying the detection architecture while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to handle multiple protocol types (ARP, LLDP, CDP, STP, VPC) through a unified analysis framework. This multi-functional approach allows the same system architecture to detect various network topologies using different protocols, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate detection mechanisms for each protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed herein automatically detects network topology for merging two isolated networks. In a particular embodiment, a method is performed in a first network of the two isolated networks and provides sending probe messages to a second network of the two isolated networks. The probe messages formatted for one or more passive protocols in the second network. The method further provides receiving replies to at least a portion of the probe messages from the second network indicating configuration parameters of the passive protocols and receiving neighbor messages from the second network indicating configuration parameters of active protocols in the second network. Additionally, the method provides determining a network topology of the second network using the configuration parameters of the passive protocols and the configuration parameters of the active protocols.