Virtual Link Manager Bandwidth Allocation in Virtualized Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized computing environments, existing network communication techniques struggle to efficiently manage and optimize the bandwidth sharing of physical links among multiple virtual machines, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and potential service level agreement (SLA) violations.
Innovation Solution
A virtual machine monitor (VMM) instantiates and manages a plurality of Layer 2 virtual links, collaborating with an access switch to configure and allocate bandwidth and quality of service parameters using the Edge Control Protocol (ECP) and Virtual Link Control Protocol (VLCP), enabling efficient sharing of a physical link's bandwidth among virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple virtual machines share a physical link using conventional networking protocols, then resource utilization improves, but bandwidth allocation efficiency deteriorates due to lack of granular control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the physical link into multiple virtual links, each with dedicated bandwidth allocation. The virtual link manager divides the physical link's bandwidth into separate virtual channels (VLs), allowing granular control over bandwidth distribution to different virtual machines while maintaining overall resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines communicate using standard OSI model protocols, then compatibility improves, but quality of service control deteriorates due to insufficient bandwidth management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where virtual links are embedded within the physical link infrastructure. The virtual link manager creates virtual links that are nested within the physical link's bandwidth capacity, allowing standard OSI protocols to operate within each virtual link while the outer layer provides QoS control and bandwidth management.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual link manager acts as an intermediary between the physical link and virtual machines. It mediates bandwidth allocation by receiving service level agreement parameters and translating them into bandwidth allocations for individual virtual links, ensuring QoS compliance without interfering with standard protocol operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth is shared dynamically among virtual machines, then resource flexibility improves, but service level agreement compliance deteriorates due to unpredictable bandwidth allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-allocating bandwidth to virtual links based on service level agreement parameters before actual data transmission begins. The virtual link manager configures bandwidth allocations in advance, ensuring that each virtual machine has guaranteed bandwidth availability while maintaining flexibility for dynamic workloads.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of data processing includes a physical host executing a virtual machine monitor (VMM) that instantiates a plurality of virtual machines (VMs). The VMM supports processing of a virtual link manager (VLM) that deploys and configures a plurality of Layer 2 virtual links sharing bandwidth of a Layer 2 physical link between the physical host and an access switch. The VMM communicates parameters of the plurality of virtual links with the access switch.