Single-Addressable Virtual Topology Element for Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer network technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and configuring virtual topologies to meet diverse network requirements of multiple tenants, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity due to the need for redundant components and varying network demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single-addressable virtual topology element (VTE) that can be distributed across multiple instantiated elements in a physical topology, allowing these elements to be addressed and configured as a single entity, thereby simplifying management and enhancing efficiency, performance, and resiliency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual topologies are implemented with distributed elements for each tenant, then network performance and resiliency are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple instantiated elements that implement the same virtual topology element are merged into a single addressable entity. The system combines the functionality of distributed elements while presenting a unified interface for management, allowing configuration and monitoring through a single address rather than requiring separate management of each distributed instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-addressable VTE design creates a universal interface that can represent multiple distributed elements simultaneously. This universal address can be used to access and configure any of the underlying instantiated elements, providing multi-functional access points that simplify management while maintaining the benefits of distributed architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant components are deployed to meet diverse tenant requirements, then network adaptability and tenant-specific performance are improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single virtual topology element can serve multiple tenants with different requirements by dynamically configuring the underlying instantiated elements. The same VTE can be instantiated differently for different tenants, allowing one element to perform multiple functions and serve diverse needs without requiring separate redundant components for each tenant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically instantiates and configures virtual topology elements based on tenant requirements and network conditions. Rather than deploying static redundant components, the instantiation is dynamic and adaptive, allowing the same physical resources to be reconfigured for different tenants as needed, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple instantiated elements are used to implement a virtual topology element, then network performance and resiliency are improved, but information aggregation and configuration management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single-addressable VTE acts as an intermediary between the management system and the distributed instantiated elements. It provides a unified interface that abstracts the complexity of multiple underlying elements, allowing configuration and information retrieval through a single address while the system handles the coordination of the distributed components in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where information from multiple instantiated elements is aggregated and presented through the single addressable interface. Configuration changes made through the unified interface are propagated to the underlying elements, and status information from all elements is consolidated and returned through the same interface, creating a closed-loop system that simplifies management while maintaining distributed resiliency.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing a single-addressable virtual topology element (VTE) in a virtual topology. A VTE in a virtual topology may be distributed as multiple instantiated elements in a physical topology. However, the multiple instantiated elements are addressable as a single entity. Obtaining information associated with the VTE includes obtaining and aggregating information from each of the instantiated elements. Applying an overall configuration to the VTE includes determining a respective configuration for each instantiated element based on the overall configuration, and applying the respective configuration to each instantiated element.