Packet Handling During Service Virtualized Instance Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service disruption occurs during the migration of service virtualized computing instances in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments, leading to adverse effects on network performance due to conventional migration methods that do not adequately manage packet handling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high availability (HA) pair of service virtualized computing instances, where one instance is active and the other is standby, allowing for seamless switchover during migration to minimize service disruption and packet loss by updating reachability information and redirecting packets to the standby instance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service virtualized computing instance migration is performed using conventional methods, then migration can be completed, but service disruption and packet loss occur during migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a standby service virtualized computing instance before migration occurs. The standby instance is prepared in advance with necessary resources and configuration, so that when migration is needed, the switchover can occur immediately without service disruption. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating service disruption duration through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a standby instance as a mediator between the active instance and migration. During migration, the standby instance temporarily takes over the active role, acting as an intermediary that maintains service continuity. This resolves the contradiction by using the standby instance as a buffer that prevents service disruption while the active instance migrates.
2Reliability
If a high availability pair with standby instance is implemented, then service continuity is maintained during migration, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the standby instance with multi-functionality. The standby instance can serve multiple purposes: it acts as a backup during normal operation, takes over during migration, and can be promoted to active if the original active instance fails. This universal design resolves the contradiction by making the additional complexity worthwhile through its multiple functions that enhance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically switching the operational state of instances. The standby instance transitions from a dormant standby state to an active serving state during migration, and can transition back or be promoted. This dynamic parameter changing resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation while achieving high availability when needed through state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods are provided for packet handling during service virtualized computing instance migration in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment. The method may comprise configuring first reachability information to associate a first service virtualized computing instance with an active role, and second reachability information to associate a second service virtualized computing instance with a standby role. In response to determination that a switchover is required to facilitate a migration of the first service virtualized computing instance, the first reachability information may be updated to associate the first service virtualized computing instance with the standby role, and the second reachability information to associate the second service virtualized computing instance with the active role. The method may also comprise: in response to detecting a completion of the migration, updating the first reachability information to associate the first service virtualized computing instance with a target host instead of a source host.