Virtual Controller for Backup Virtual Network Device State Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional backup deployment methods for virtual network devices are incompatible with virtual environments, preventing the setup and operation of backup virtual devices due to separation from physical devices, which hinders network traffic handling in case of primary device failures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for deploying backup virtual network devices by identifying a primary and backup virtual network device, installing virtual controllers to manage them, replicating the primary device's state to the backup, and automatically switching traffic handling upon primary device failure, ensuring seamless network redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional backup deployment method is used where the primary device sends state information to the backup device's operating system, then the backup device can replicate and operate as the primary device, but this method is incompatible with virtual environments where the operating system is separated from the physical device
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual controller is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the primary virtual network device and the backup virtual network device. The virtual controller manages the backup process by receiving state information from the primary device and transmitting it to the backup device, enabling backup functionality in virtualized environments where direct OS-level communication is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replicates the state of the primary virtual network device (including configuration, routing tables, and operational status) to the backup virtual network device. This copying mechanism ensures that the backup device maintains an identical operational state, allowing it to seamlessly take over when the primary device fails.
2Productivity
If manual administration is required for backup device setup and activation, then configuration can be controlled, but delays occur in activating backup devices and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual controller is pre-configured with the capability to manage backup operations, and the backup virtual network device is pre-established with the necessary infrastructure. When the primary device fails, the virtual controller can immediately initiate the state replication and activation process without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing activation delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the virtual controller continuously monitors the health status of the primary virtual network device. Upon detecting a failure, the controller automatically triggers the backup activation sequence, creating a closed-loop system that responds dynamically to system conditions and eliminates manual administration requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method may include (1) identifying, within a virtual network, a primary virtual network device and a backup virtual network device that is to handle traffic directed to the primary virtual network device following a failure of the primary virtual network device, (2) installing, on the primary virtual network device, a first virtual controller that manages the primary virtual network device, (3) installing, on the backup virtual network device, a second virtual controller that manages the backup virtual network device, (4) directing, by the first virtual controller, the second virtual controller to replicate a state of the primary virtual network device, (5) detecting the failure of the primary virtual network device, and then in response to detecting the failure of the primary virtual network device, (6) directing, by the first virtual controller, the second virtual controller to facilitate handling the traffic directed to the primary virtual network device.