Automated Virtual Network Management via Context-Driven Policy Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing virtual networks in cloud computing environments are complex and require significant expertise, involving manual configuration of hardware and software resources, which hinders cost-effective and efficient deployment and operation of cloud services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automated management systems that use customizable workflows and network virtualization to provision and configure virtual machines and networks, enabling automated definition and discovery of network layers, application entities, and logical overlay networks, thereby simplifying the management of virtual machines and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration methods are used to install, configure, and deploy computing environment components, then flexibility and control over specific application placement are improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines network layers, application entities, and logical overlay networks in advance through automated discovery mechanisms. The system automatically identifies and configures the computing environment structure before deployment, so that when applications need to be deployed, the framework is already prepared and ready to receive them, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration during actual deployment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-configuration capabilities where the computing environment automatically discovers and defines its own network structure, application entities, and layer relationships without human intervention. The automated management system performs self-service provisioning, configuration, and deployment of virtual machines and network components, replacing manual operations with autonomous system actions that are both faster and equally controllable.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual user input and configuration are required to install and deploy computing environment components, then precision in placing applications in specific network layers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual configuration process with an automated software-based discovery and definition system. Instead of users manually inputting configuration data and specifying application placements, the system uses automated algorithms to discover the computing environment structure, define network layers and application entities, and determine optimal placement locations. This substitution maintains placement precision through intelligent automated decision-making while eliminating the complexity of manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated management system as an intermediary between the computing environment components and the deployment process. This intermediary automatically discovers network structures, defines application entities, and manages the placement of applications in appropriate network layers without requiring direct user involvement. The intermediary handles all configuration complexities internally, presenting a simplified interface to users while maintaining precise control over application placement through automated logic.
3Productivity
If automated management systems are implemented to provision and configure virtual machines and networks, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated management system into distinct functional modules: network layer discovery and definition, application entity discovery and definition, logical overlay network creation, and virtual machine provisioning. Each module handles a specific aspect of the automated management process independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high productivity through automation while managing complexity by dividing the system into manageable, specialized components that can be developed, maintained, and understood separately.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for application and/or context-based management of virtual networks using customizable workflows are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a context engine to monitor data traffic from a virtual machine in a data plane of a virtual network to capture context information to identify an application executing on the virtual machine; and a policy manager to receive the context information to instantiate an application entity corresponding to the application in a policy plane of the virtual network and to generate a policy associated with the application entity in the policy plane of the virtual network, the policy and the application entity enabling monitoring and management of the application via the policy plane.