Physical Machine Port Information Collection for Automated Virtual Network Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud infrastructure configurations that do not use virtual switches, obtaining port information from virtual switches is not possible, necessitating manual registration before virtual machine startup, which complicates automated virtual network setup.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a physical machine with a port information collection unit and notification unit that collects and notifies port information to a virtual network management apparatus, which then instructs a switch control apparatus to use this information as a match condition for the physical switch, enabling automated virtual network configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If virtual switches are not used in cloud infrastructure configuration, then automated virtual network setup is enabled, but port information cannot be obtained from virtual switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a port information notification unit as an intermediary component that collects port information from physical switches and notifies the virtual network management apparatus. This mediator bridges the gap between physical switch port information and the virtual network management system, enabling automated virtual network setup without virtual switches while preventing loss of port information.
2Loss of information
If manual registration of port information is performed before virtual machine startup, then port information is obtained, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the port information notification unit automatically collects port information from physical switches and notifies the virtual network management apparatus without requiring manual registration. This eliminates manual configuration steps while maintaining complete port information, thereby reducing network configuration complexity.
3Extent of automation
If port information is collected from physical switches, then automated virtual network configuration is achieved, but additional collection and notification mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the port information notification unit with multi-functionality, enabling it to perform both port information collection from physical switches and notification to the virtual network management apparatus. This universal component consolidates multiple functions into a single unit, achieving automated virtual network configuration while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system comprises: a physical machine; a switch control apparatus that controls a physical switch connected to the physical machine; and a virtual network management apparatus that manages a virtual network using the physical switch and at least one of the physical machine and a virtual machine operating on the physical machine. The physical machine comprises: a port information collection unit that collects port information of a NIC (Network Interface Card) assigned to the virtual network; and a port information notification unit that notifies the virtual network management apparatus of a correspondence between the NIC and the collected port information. The virtual network management apparatus instructs the switch control apparatus so that the physical switch uses the port information as a match condition.