Virtual Connect Domain for Automatic Network Topology Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The administration of servers and network devices in data centers is inefficient, time-consuming, and error-prone due to the need for manual configuration and coordination between server administrators and network administrators, with existing automation efforts only partially mitigating the complexity of managing diverse vendor systems.
Innovation Solution
A hidden network system that automatically adapts to changes in server and network configurations and topologies without requiring administrative action, using protocols like IEEE 802.1Q VLAN and LLDP for device discovery and authentication, allowing for independent management of end nodes and external networks without coordinating with each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and coordination is performed by administrators, then network security and reliability can be ensured, but administration becomes inefficient, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The network devices and servers automatically perform configuration and coordination tasks without requiring manual administrator intervention. The system self-manages connectivity by having devices advertise their presence and capabilities, and automatically establishing appropriate network connections based on predefined policies and discovered device states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures network devices with discovery protocols and connectivity policies before devices are deployed or connected. When devices are added to the network, the pre-established frameworks enable automatic recognition and configuration, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining security and reliability.
2Productivity
If automation software is used to manage servers and network devices, then administration efficiency improves, but complexity increases due to the need to manage diverse vendor systems and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal discovery mechanism that works across diverse vendor devices and network types. By using standardized protocols like LLDP and OUI-based identification, the system can automatically manage heterogeneous devices without requiring vendor-specific software or complex integration layers, thereby improving efficiency while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of discovery protocol messages and OUI-based device identification mechanisms that mediate between diverse vendor systems and the management framework. This intermediary enables automatic device recognition and classification without requiring direct complex interactions between management software and various vendor-specific interfaces.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If end-node-based monitoring techniques are used, then network health monitoring capability is provided, but end nodes are intruded upon and special knowledge is required for effective use
Solution Approach 1:
Network devices automatically perform health monitoring by advertising their own status and capabilities through discovery protocols. Devices self-report their operational state, connectivity status, and operational parameters without requiring external monitoring tools to intrude upon or complex configuration by administrators, thereby providing monitoring capability while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing connectivity in a virtual network. One embodiment determines if information received from a device in a virtual land area network (VLAN) matches a configuration of a virtual connect domain (VCD) in order to label links as being either internal or external.