Virtual Network Elements for Virtualized LANs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently configuring and managing physical network elements, leading to downtime, errors, and resource wastage due to the complexity of handling traffic loads in virtualized environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for providing a virtualized communication networking environment by automatically generating and associating virtual network elements with virtual machines based on media access control (MAC) addresses, which include communication network indicators, to manage network traffic and resources dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical network elements (virtual switches, virtual network interfaces) that replicate the functionality of physical devices in the virtualized environment. These virtual elements can be programmatically configured and managed without physical intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining network connectivity and reducing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration of physical network elements with automated software-based management of virtual network elements. The system uses API-driven approaches and virtualization layers to substitute physical plug-and-play operations with software configuration, eliminating the need for physical connectivity changes and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If physical network elements are continuously available to handle traffic loads, then network connectivity is maintained, but physical resources are wasted when traffic loads are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual network elements that can be instantiated, scaled, or terminated based on actual traffic demands. Virtual switches and network interfaces can be dynamically created when needed and deactivated when not in use, allowing the system to maintain reliability during high traffic while conserving resources during low traffic periods, unlike static physical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal virtual network elements that can serve multiple functions and be dynamically allocated to different virtual machines as needed. A single pool of virtualized network resources can be shared across multiple VMs, providing reliable connectivity when required while eliminating the need for dedicated physical network elements for each VM, thus reducing resource waste.
3Productivity
If manual configuration of network elements is performed, then network setup is completed, but downtime and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated configuration systems where virtual network elements automatically configure themselves upon creation or when traffic patterns change. The system uses orchestration software to automatically provision, configure, and manage virtual network elements without human intervention, eliminating manual errors and reducing setup time while maintaining high reliability through consistent automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors network traffic patterns, performance metrics, and configuration states. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts and reconfigures virtual network elements to optimize performance and maintain reliability, replacing error-prone manual configuration with closed-loop automated control that adapts to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software for providing a virtualized communication networking environment are provided herein. In one example, a method includes identifying a media access control address for a network interface of a virtual machine, the media access control address comprising at least one communication network indicator associated with a virtualized local area network. If a virtual network element has not been generated for handling traffic associated with the network interface of the virtual machine, then generating the virtual network element and associating the virtual network element with the virtualized local area network based on the communication network indicator. When the virtual network element has been generated, then assigning the network interface of the virtual machine to the virtual network element associated with the virtualized local area network based on the communication network indicator of the media access control address.