Virtual Modem Termination Migration via External State Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VM migration software in cable modem networks faces limitations such as distance constraints, high-speed link requirements, and security vulnerabilities, making it difficult to efficiently and faultlessly migrate virtual cable modem termination system (VCMTS) instances between servers or data centers.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system uses an orchestration module to spawn a new VCMTS instance on a different server, synchronizes state information using an external database, and deletes the old instance, allowing for migration without the need for high-speed links or specific hypervisor technologies, thus enabling efficient VCMTS migration across distances and maintaining network stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current VM migration software is used in cable modem networks, then migration can be performed with existing tools, but distance constraints and high-speed link requirements limit migration efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VCMTS instance into two independent components: state information (stored externally in a database) and computation logic (running on the server). This segmentation allows the state to be migrated independently of the computation, eliminating the need for complex high-speed links and special hypervisor support while improving migration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external database as an intermediary between VCMTS instances. This mediator stores and manages state information, allowing seamless migration between servers without requiring direct high-speed communication between instances. The database abstraction layer simplifies the migration process and removes distance constraints.
2Ease of operation
If traditional VM migration approaches are used, then migration can be performed, but CPU throttling and security feature disabling are required which reduce system performance and security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a new VCMTS instance that copies state information from the external database rather than migrating the running instance. This copying approach allows the new instance to start cleanly without requiring CPU throttling or security feature disabling, maintaining network stability while achieving ease of migration operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization of state information to the external database before migration. This preliminary action ensures that when the new instance is spawned, all necessary state is already available, eliminating the need for runtime CPU throttling or security feature disabling and maintaining network stability throughout the migration process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VCMTS instances are migrated between servers or data centers, then network flexibility and adaptability improve, but packet loss and service disruption may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors migration progress and state synchronization status. This feedback allows the system to ensure complete state transfer before activating the new instance, preventing packet loss and service disruption while maintaining network adaptability for migration between servers or data centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the external database as a cushioning mechanism that stores state information before migration occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that state is preserved and available during the transition, preventing packet loss and service disruption while allowing flexible migration between servers or data centers.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system and method for facilitating virtual cable modem termination system (VCMTS) migration in cable modem network environments is provided and includes spawning, by an orchestration component executing using a processor, a first instance of a virtual network function (VNF) on a first server in a cable modem network, storing state of the first instance as state information in an external database, spawning a second instance of the VNF on a different second server, synchronizing state of the second instance with the state information stored in the external database, and deleting the first instance. In specific embodiments, the VNF comprises a VCMTS.