Virtual Network Overlay for Flexible Topology Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking systems lack the ability to efficiently create and manage virtual networks that can be overlaid on existing physical networks, allowing for flexible topology changes without modifying the underlying hardware, which is essential for cloud-based computing and service provider demands.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize virtual L2 switches and L3 routers to create a virtual network overlay, allowing for flexible interconnection of network elements across multiple OSI layers, using tunneling methods like GRE, Ethernet over IP, and MPLS over IP, enabling packet routing and management without altering the physical network infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used to provide network features, then reliability and performance are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functionality by separating control plane functions (virtual routers, virtual switches) from the data plane (physical network infrastructure). This allows virtual network services to be independently managed and configured without modifying physical hardware, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability through software-based abstraction layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual network elements (virtual routers, virtual switches) as intermediary software components that mediate between customer traffic and the physical network infrastructure. These virtual elements provide the required network services and features without requiring dedicated physical hardware for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining service reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical network topology is changed to meet customer needs, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual network topologies that can be reconfigured in real-time through software without physical hardware changes. Virtual routers and switches can be dynamically created, moved, and connected to form different network topologies to meet changing customer requirements, enabling rapid adaptation without the time-consuming process of physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of network elements (virtual routers, virtual switches) that replicate the functionality of physical devices. These virtual copies can be instantiated, modified, and deleted through software, allowing rapid topology changes without physically moving or reconfiguring actual hardware components, thereby reducing the time required for network reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If virtual network overlay is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional virtualization layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal virtual network elements that can perform multiple functions across different network layers and customer requirements. The virtual router and virtual switch can be configured to provide various services (routing, switching, firewalls, load balancing) through software, eliminating the need for multiple specialized physical devices and simplifying network management despite the added virtualization layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for implementing and management virtual networks is disclosed. A method includes receiving a network packet arriving at a first network interface of a first node of an underlying network, communicating at least the packet and an identifier of the first network interface to a decision engine, determining how the packet should be processed based on a simulation by the decision engine of a traversal of a virtual network topology including a plurality of virtual network devices, wherein the decision engine communicates with a shared database accessible from the underlying network that stores the virtual network topology and virtual device configurations for the plurality of virtual network devices; and processing the packet based upon the simulation.