Virtual Network Emulation for Dynamic Telecom Infrastructure Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of large-scale computer networks has become complicated due to increased scale and scope, particularly in data centers, where provisioning, administering, and managing physical computing resources is inefficient and complex, especially with the advent of virtualization technologies.
Innovation Solution
A configurable network service provides virtual networking devices and functionality by emulating the functionality of physical devices, allowing users to specify a network topology for managed computer networks, intercepting routing communications to dynamically configure the network, and using routing information to manage network topology without physically implementing all devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If virtualization technologies are used to share physical computing resources among multiple customers, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary device that manages virtual networking functions. The network controller intercepts routing communications between computing nodes and uses routing information to dynamically configure virtual networking devices, thereby simplifying management complexity while enabling efficient resource sharing through virtualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical networking devices with virtual networking devices that are software simulations. This substitution allows multiple customers to share physical computing resources efficiently while the network controller manages the virtual devices, reducing the need for physical hardware management and lowering management complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual networking devices are used instead of physical devices, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to software simulation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves as a mediator that ensures reliable operation of virtual networking devices. It intercepts routing communications, processes routing information, and dynamically configures virtual networking devices to maintain network reliability while preserving the flexibility benefits of virtualization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses routing information from routing communications as feedback to dynamically configure virtual networking devices. This feedback mechanism ensures that the virtual networking infrastructure adapts to changing network conditions while maintaining reliable operation through centralized control
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for providing managed virtual computer networks that have a configured logical network topology with virtual networking devices, such as by a network-accessible configurable network service, with corresponding networking functionality provided for communications between multiple computing nodes of the virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by the virtual networking devices if they were physically present. In some situations, the networking functionality provided for a managed computer network of a client includes receiving routing communications directed to the virtual networking devices and using included routing information to update the configuration of the managed computer network, such as to allow at least some computing nodes of a managed computer network to dynamically signal particular types of uses of one or more indicated target network addresses and/or to dynamically signal use of particular external public network addresses based on such routing information.