Virtual Network Path Migration for Bandwidth Constraints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network configurations require physical reconnection and reconfiguration of wires to manage virtual machines, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, especially when migrating virtual machines between blades in a chassis to meet bandwidth constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for creating and managing virtual network paths between virtual machines on different blades within a chassis interconnect, allowing for the migration of virtual machines while preserving bandwidth constraints by using virtual network interface cards (VNICs) and a virtual switching table to route network traffic without traditional wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If physical wires are used to connect computer systems in a network, then the network can be physically configured and managed, but the reconfiguration process becomes labor-intensive and inefficient when migrating virtual machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual machine migration efficiencyVSAvoidphysical reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical wire connections with a virtual network infrastructure. Virtual network interface cards (VNICs) and virtual switching tables enable network connectivity and VM migration without physical reconnection, substituting software-based routing for manual cable management and significantly improving migration efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces virtual network components (VNICs, virtual switching tables, chassis interconnect) as intermediaries between virtual machines and the physical network infrastructure. These intermediaries abstract the physical connection details, allowing VMs to be migrated between blades without requiring physical wire reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtual machines are migrated between blades to meet bandwidth constraints, then resource allocation can be optimized, but the migration process requires complex physical reconnection of network wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth constraint satisfactionVSAvoidphysical reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual physical reconfiguration with automated virtual network management. The virtual switching table and VNIC architecture enable dynamic VM migration to satisfy bandwidth constraints without requiring technicians to physically reconnect network wires, reducing both complexity and error risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic VM migration capabilities where virtual machines can be moved between blades based on real-time bandwidth constraints and resource availability. The virtual network infrastructure dynamically adjusts routing and resource allocation without requiring static physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If traditional physical network configuration is used, then network connectivity can be established, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient for managing virtual machine lifecycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual machine management efficiencyVSAvoidphysical reconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual physical cable connection and disconnection with automated virtual network switching. The virtual switching table enables rapid VM migration by logically redirecting network traffic without physical reconnection, eliminating the time-consuming manual labor of traditional network reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes virtual network paths and VNIC configurations in advance, allowing VMs to be migrated between blades without requiring physical network reconfiguration at migration time. The virtual infrastructure is pre-configured to support flexible VM movement, eliminating delays associated with on-demand physical reconnection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7962587B2Method and system for enforcing resource constraints for virtual machines across migration

Publication Date: 2011.06.14 ORACLE AMERICAN INC

AI summary

In general, the invention relates to a method for migrating virtual machines. The method includes obtaining migration criteria for a first virtual machine (VM) where the migration criteria is a bandwidth constraint for the first VM. The method further includes sending a request comprising the migration criteria to a second computer in the chassis, receiving a response to request from the second computer, where response indicates that the second computer can satisfy the migration criteria. The method further includes suspending execution of the first VM on the first computer and obtaining information to migrate the first VM, migrating the first VM and a first VNIC associated with the first VM, updating a virtual switching table in the chassis to reflect the migration of the first VM; and resuming execution of the first VM on the second computer.