OVSDB Protocol Configuration Management for Scalable Network Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing configurations of data collection and processing devices in a scalable manner is challenging due to the complexity of configuration data and the need for efficient communication of changes without disrupting other devices in the network.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an OVSDB server with a database schema on a server computer and OVSDB clients on data collectors, communicating via the Open Virtual Switch Database (OVSDB) protocol to manage configurations efficiently, allowing only affected devices to receive delta configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional configuration management methods are used to manage configurations of data collectors in a network, then configuration changes can be communicated to all devices, but the network experiences disruption and scalability is poor due to the need to update all devices even when only a few are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management system into a centralized configuration manager and distributed data collectors, each with independent configuration spaces. The configuration manager divides configuration updates into targeted segments sent only to affected data collectors based on configuration space identifiers, rather than broadcasting to all devices. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by improving efficiency through targeted updates while reducing complexity through modular system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an OVSDB protocol as an intermediary between the configuration manager and data collectors. This protocol enables standardized, efficient configuration communication and establishes a clear interface for configuration updates. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a structured mechanism that improves configuration management efficiency while reducing the complexity of direct peer-to-peer configuration communication.
2Reliability
If configuration changes are sent to all data collectors in the network, then all devices receive updates, but unnecessary devices are disrupted and network stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique configuration space identifiers to different configuration domains and sending updates only to data collectors whose configuration spaces match the update target. This localized approach improves network stability by preventing unnecessary disruptions to unaffected devices while maintaining ease of operation through automated identifier-based routing of configuration updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where data collectors report their configuration space identifiers to the configuration manager, enabling the manager to determine which collectors should receive specific configuration updates. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by improving network stability through precise update targeting while maintaining operational simplicity through automated feedback-driven update distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized configuration management system is implemented, then configuration control is improved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to scale to large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing data collectors to handle multiple configuration spaces and types through a standardized OVSDB interface. Each data collector can subscribe to and process configuration updates for multiple configuration domains using the same underlying architecture. This universal design resolves the contradiction by improving adaptability to manage diverse configurations while reducing system complexity through standardized multi-functional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for configuration management using OVSDB protocol. The system includes a configuration manager on a server computer and a plurality of devices on a plurality of computing devices. The configuration manager comprises an OVSDB server maintaining an OVSDB database. Each of the plurality of devices includes an OVSDB client. The OVSDB database on the configuration manager comprises a database schema containing configuration data for the plurality of devices. The OVSDB server on the configuration manager communicates with the OVSDB client on each of the plurality of devices via OVSDB protocol in managing configurations of the plurality of devices.