Virtual Network Element Instantiation for Automated Packet Networking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring and managing physical network elements in wireless communication networks is time-consuming and resource-intensive, leading to downtime and errors, especially when traffic loads are low.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically generates and manages virtual network elements, such as virtual machines, switches, bridges, and routers, based on enhanced Media Access Control (MAC) addresses and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, allowing for dynamic instantiation and de-instantiation in response to network activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical network elements are used to connect virtual machines, then network connectivity is established, but configuration and management become time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration and management of network elementsVSAvoidDowntime during configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of network elements (virtual switches, virtual network interfaces) that mirror the functionality of physical network elements but can be configured and managed through software without physical intervention. These virtual elements are instantiated as software components that replicate networking functions, eliminating the need for manual physical configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical network configuration operations with automated software-based virtualization mechanisms. The system uses virtual machine monitors and management systems to automatically provision, configure, and manage virtual network elements through code rather than manual physical manipulation, substituting mechanical assembly and configuration with automated software processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If physical network elements are continuously maintained to ensure network availability, then connectivity is preserved, but resources are wasted when traffic loads are low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork availabilityVSAvoidResource wastage during low traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic virtual network elements that can be automatically instantiated, activated, or deactivated based on real-time network conditions and traffic demands. Virtual switches and network interfaces are created or removed programmatically in response to changing workload requirements, allowing the system to adapt resource allocation dynamically rather than maintaining fixed physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual network elements that can serve multiple functions and be shared across different virtual machines and workloads. A single virtual switch infrastructure can handle traffic for multiple virtual machines simultaneously, and the same physical resources can be reused across different virtual network configurations, improving resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual configuration of physical network elements is performed, then network setup is achieved, but errors increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork setup speedVSAvoidConfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the virtualization management system automatically provisions, configures, and manages virtual network elements without human intervention. The system autonomously handles network element instantiation, IP address assignment, and connectivity configuration based on service requirements, eliminating manual configuration errors and improving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the management system monitors network conditions, traffic patterns, and service requirements to dynamically adjust and optimize virtual network element configurations. The system receives feedback from the network environment and automatically adjusts resource allocation and element instantiation to maintain optimal performance and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10298449B2Automatically generated virtual network elements for virtualized packet networks

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A computer system establishes data communications for a virtual machine that is configured with an enhanced Media Access Control (MAC) address. A management computer instantiates the virtual machine responsive to the enhanced MAC address. The management computer automatically instantiates a virtual Local Area Network (vLAN) and a virtual Switch (vSW) on the vLAN to serve the virtual machine using the enhanced MAC address. The management computer allocates an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the virtual machine and automatically instantiates a virtual Router (vRTR) to serve the vSW using the IP address. A network computer executes the virtual machine, the vLAN, the vSW, and the vRTR to exchange user data between the virtual machine and a data communication network over the vSW, vLAN, and vRTR using the enhanced MAC address and the IP address.