Virtual Network Interface Simulation for Physical Router Emulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual network management systems lack the ability to transparently simulate physical network interfaces, making it difficult for users to interact with virtual networks in a manner similar to physical networks, which limits flexibility and management capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that simulates a networking device interface within a virtual network, allowing users to interact with virtual networks using expected interfaces, such as command line interfaces, and translates user commands into appropriate processes within the virtual network, enabling configuration and management of virtual network topologies, routing, and data transmission analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If virtualization technologies are used to simulate routing devices, then hardware cost and device complexity are reduced, but user interaction capability and management ease deteriorate because simulated devices do not support traditional command line interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting device hardwareVSAvoidnetwork management interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical router interface within the virtual network environment. The simulated routing device replicates the command line interface behavior of physical routers, allowing users to interact with virtual network components using familiar networking commands. This copying approach maintains operational familiarity while enabling virtualized network management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates between virtual network commands and actual network operations. This intermediary simulated routing device acts as a mediator between the user's command line interface interactions and the underlying virtual network infrastructure, enabling traditional networking management techniques to work within virtualized environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical routing devices are used, then network management and user interaction are simplified through standard interfaces, but hardware cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management interfaceVSAvoidrouting device hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardware routing devices with software-based simulated routing devices running on commodity computing devices. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized networking hardware while maintaining the functional interface characteristics of physical routers through software emulation of command line interfaces and routing protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables commodity computing devices to perform multiple functions including running virtual machines, simulating routing devices, and providing network management interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single platform to replace multiple specialized hardware devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual machines are used to simulate network components, then resource utilization and flexibility are improved, but the ability to provide traditional network interfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual network configurationVSAvoidcommand line interface support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic interface simulation where the virtual routing device can adapt its interface behavior based on the commands received. The simulated device dynamically responds to traditional networking commands by translating them into appropriate virtual network operations, maintaining the appearance and behavior of physical routing interfaces while providing flexible virtual network configuration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9871854B2Interaction with a virtual network

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Systems and method for the management of virtual machine instances are provided. A network data transmission analysis system can host virtual machine networks. A component of a hosted virtual machine network is configured in a manner to receive commands directed towards a simulated network device. The component may then execute a process or processes on the hosted virtual machine network which correspond to the received command.