Routing Domain Identifier Assignment in Logical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In logical network environments, the conventional approach to collecting control information is inefficient, leading to a resource burden on hosts and affecting overall performance due to the need for multiple report messages from each host for each logical switch, which can be resource-intensive and scalability-limited.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of routing domain identifier (ID) assignment, which allows for reporting on a per-routing-domain basis instead of a per-logical-switch basis, reducing the number of report messages and improving efficiency and scalability by categorizing logical switches and routers into routing domains based on network topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If control information is collected on a per-logical-switch basis, then detailed control information can be obtained, but the number of report messages increases and resource burden on hosts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups multiple logical switches into routing domains and consolidates control information reporting at the routing domain level rather than individual logical switch level. This merging approach reduces the number of report messages while maintaining comprehensive control information through the hierarchical domain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into hierarchical routing domains with domain identifiers, creating a structured organization of logical switches. This segmentation enables efficient grouping and reporting at domain level while preserving the ability to track individual logical switches within each domain through the hierarchical structure.
2Loss of information
If control information is collected on a per-logical-switch basis, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but system scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical routing domain structure segments the network into manageable units with domain identifiers, enabling scalable expansion. New logical switches can be added to existing domains or new domains can be created without requiring system-wide reconfiguration, thus improving scalability while maintaining comprehensive control information through the hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to control information management by organizing logical switches into routing domains with domain identifiers. This additional organizational dimension enables scalable reporting structures where control information can be aggregated at domain level while still providing detailed visibility when needed.
3Loss of information
If multiple report messages are sent per logical switch, then detailed control information is obtained, but host performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control information reporting at the routing domain level, consolidating multiple potential report messages into single domain-level reports. This reduces the processing burden on hosts while maintaining detailed control information through the hierarchical domain structure that preserves logical switch-level data within aggregated domain reports.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods are provided for assigning a routing domain identifier in a logical network environment that includes one or more logical distributed routers and one or more logical switches. In one example, the method may comprise obtaining network topology information specifying how the one or more logical distributed routers are connected with the one or more logical switches; and selecting, from the one or more logical switches, a particular logical switch for which routing domain identifier assignment is required. The method may also comprise: identifying a particular logical distributed router that is connected with the particular logical switch based on the network topology information; assigning the particular logical switch with the routing domain identifier that is associated with the particular logical distributed router; and using the routing domain identifier in a communication between a management entity and a host.