Nuclear Plant Virtual Switch Software for Flexible Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear power plant virtualization systems require virtual machines to communicate through physical switches, which limits the ability to implement hierarchical networks like those in non-safety networks of nuclear power plants without modifying software or using external physical switches.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a nuclear power plant virtualization system that includes virtual machine control parts, virtual machine network parts, and a virtualization platform switch. This system allows for the modification of IP/MAC addresses and implements a network switch function as software, enabling flexible topology configurations such as hierarchical, mesh, and bus types without requiring external physical switches or modifications to the virtual switch software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If virtual machines communicate through external physical switches to implement hierarchical networks, then network topology accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical network switch functionality within the virtualization platform. The virtual switch software replicates the hierarchical network topology and switching operations in the virtual environment, eliminating the need for external physical switches while maintaining accurate network topology representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of external physical switches with the virtualization platform by integrating virtual switch software that handles network switching operations internally. This consolidation combines multiple components (physical switches, virtual machines, and control software) into a unified virtualized system.
2Manufacturing precision
If external physical switches are used to implement hierarchical networks, then network configuration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual switch software creates a virtual representation of the physical network configuration, copying the hierarchical topology, VLAN settings, and switching rules into the virtual environment. This allows accurate network configuration to be maintained without requiring physical switch hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic modification of network parameters such as IP addresses, MAC addresses, and topology configurations through software. This allows the network configuration to be adapted and changed easily without requiring physical reconfiguration of external switches.
3Reliability
If external physical switches are required for virtual machine communication, then network communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual switch software replicates the reliable switching functionality of physical switches within the virtualized environment, maintaining network communication reliability through software-based packet forwarding, routing, and error handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network topology support where the virtual switch can adapt to different network configurations (hierarchical, mesh, bus, star) and reconfigure connections on-the-fly. This provides both reliability through controlled switching and adaptability through flexible topology changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If virtual switch software is modified to support hierarchical topologies, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual switch software is designed with universal functionality to support multiple network topologies (hierarchical, mesh, bus, star) and various virtual machine communication patterns. This multi-functional design provides adaptability without requiring separate software modifications for different topology types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network switching functionality into modular virtual switch components that can be independently configured and managed. This modular approach simplifies the implementation of complex hierarchical topologies by breaking them down into manageable switching segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A nuclear power plant virtualization system and an operation method thereof are provided. A nuclear power plant virtualization system includes: virtual machine control parts; virtual machine network parts linked to the virtual machine control parts; and a virtualization platform switch linked with the virtual machine control parts and the virtual machine network parts, wherein the virtual machine control parts include a first MMI linked driver module, the virtual machine network parts include a second MMI linked driver module, and the virtual machine control parts and the virtual machine network parts modify an IP/MAC address in data communicated with the outside and allow the data communicated with the outside from the virtual machine control parts to pass through the virtual machine network parts, via the first MMI linked driver module and the second MMI linked driver module.