Network Virtualization-Aware Switch for Storage VM Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems in virtual networks lack awareness of virtual networks, leading to inadequate storage services for tenants, as they cannot be linked into virtual networks created by host computing devices, resulting in limited customization and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a network virtualization-aware switch (S4NV switch) within the data storage system, which makes storage arrays aware of virtual networks by encapsulating and de-capsulating packets, allowing storage resources to be linked with virtual machines through a controller, enabling tenant-aware storage services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage arrays/servers are hidden from applications for security reasons, then security is improved, but storage services cannot be provided to virtual machines in virtual networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network virtualization-aware switch as an intermediary component between the hidden storage arrays and virtual machines. This switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and is capable of understanding virtual network identifiers (VNI) and virtual IP addresses, enabling it to forward storage traffic (iSCSI, NFS, CIFS) to the correct VMs without exposing the storage arrays directly to applications. The intermediary switch thus maintains security while enabling storage service availability.
2Loss of information
If a hypervisor serves as an intermediate node for storage provisioning, then storage awareness of virtual networks is improved, but file storage (NFS/CIFS) becomes unavailable to virtual machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hypervisor intermediary with a network virtualization-aware switch that operates at the network layer rather than the application layer. This switch is specifically designed to handle multiple storage protocols (iSCSI, NFS, CIFS) natively and can perform protocol conversion and packet encapsulation/decapsulation based on virtual network identifiers. This allows file storage protocols to remain available to VMs while maintaining virtual network awareness, overcoming the limitation of hypervisor-based approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage arrays are directly connected to application networks, then storage service availability is improved, but security and network dynamicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network virtualization-aware switch serves as a secure intermediary that decouples the storage arrays from direct network connections. The switch maintains security by controlling access to storage resources and enabling network dynamicity through its ability to handle virtual IP addresses and VNI changes. Applications can access storage services with high availability while the underlying storage infrastructure remains protected and adaptable to network changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic storage network connectivity through the network virtualization-aware switch, which can dynamically adjust network paths, handle IP address changes, and adapt to mobile device connectivity. The switch maintains mapping between virtual network identifiers and physical storage resources, enabling storage services to remain available even as network configurations change, thus providing both security and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hypervisor vendors dictate storage requirements to storage vendors, then integration control is improved, but vendor flexibility and system autonomy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network virtualization-aware switch is designed with universal functionality that supports multiple storage protocols (iSCSI, NFS, CIFS) and works with various virtualization platforms. Rather than requiring vendor-specific integration, the switch implements standard network virtualization concepts and protocols, making it compatible with different hypervisors and storage systems. This universal approach reduces vendor lock-in while maintaining effective integration control.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system includes at least one network virtualization-aware switch. The data storage system also includes at least one storage array operatively coupled to the network virtualization-aware switch, wherein the storage array is operatively coupled to at least one host computing device, and wherein the host computing device instantiates at least one virtual machine in at least one virtual network. Further, the data storage system includes at least one controller operatively coupled to the network virtualization-aware switch, wherein the controller is configured to link the storage array with the virtual machine of the virtual network through the network virtualization-aware switch.