Dynamic Service Port Reassignment in Virtual Network Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network configurations require manual reassignment of service modules to virtual switches, leading to inefficient resource utilization as resources often sit idle until manually reallocated, resulting in slow and time-consuming optimization processes.

Innovation Solution

A service management component automatically maps and reallocates service modules to virtual switches based on service policy information and availability, ensuring optimal resource utilization by detecting offline switches and available modules to redistribute them according to the requirements of other virtual switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual reassignment of service modules to virtual switches is used, then resource allocation can be controlled, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates as resources sit idle until manually reallocated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control of resource allocationVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The service management component automatically detects offline virtual switches and available service modules, then autonomously performs reassignment without human intervention. The system monitors the network state, identifies optimization opportunities, and executes reassignment based on service policies, enabling the system to manage its own resource allocation efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The service management component continuously monitors the operational status of virtual switches and service modules, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust resource allocation. When offline switches or available modules are detected, the system responds by reallocating resources to maintain optimal utilization while adhering to service policies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual reassignment process is used, then resource reallocation can be performed, but the process becomes slow and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource reallocation capabilityVSAvoidoptimization process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The service management component maintains readiness to perform reassignment by continuously monitoring the network state and pre-identifying available service modules and offline virtual switches. When optimization opportunities arise, the system can immediately execute reassignment without waiting for manual intervention, significantly reducing the time required for resource reallocation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously performs the entire reassignment process including detection, decision-making, and execution without requiring human operators. This automation eliminates the time delays inherent in manual processes while ensuring that resource reallocation occurs promptly in response to changing network conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If service modules are statically assigned to virtual switches, then configuration is simple, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates when switches go offline

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The service management component implements dynamic resource allocation by continuously monitoring the operational status of virtual switches and automatically reassigning service modules when changes occur. This dynamic approach maintains simple initial configuration while enabling automatic adaptation to changing network conditions, ensuring optimal resource utilization without increasing configuration complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of service module assignments from static to dynamic by introducing automatic detection and reassignment mechanisms. The service management component monitors status parameters and adjusts assignments based on real-time conditions, maintaining configuration simplicity while dramatically improving resource utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9225605B2Dynamic re-assignment of service ports to active virtual network switch based on service policy

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Embodiments generally provide techniques for mapping service modules on a network device. Embodiments identify a plurality of service modules, each configured to perform a respective service. A first one of the plurality of service modules is mapped to a first one of a plurality of virtual switches on the network device. Service policy information for a plurality of virtual switches is retrieved. The service policy information is indicative of service requirements for each of the plurality of virtual switches. Upon detecting an occurrence of a predefined event, embodiments determine a second one of the plurality of virtual switches to map the first service module to, based on the service policy information. The first service module is then mapped to the second virtual switch.