Virtual Network Routing via Overlay Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional routing systems in packet-switched communication networks lack flexibility and efficiency in managing virtual networks, as they rely on physical routers and do not allow for optimization based on supplemental information, leading to suboptimal traffic management and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
The Overlay Network Manager (ONM) system provides logical networking functionality by configuring and managing virtual computer networks on physical computing nodes using virtualization technologies, allowing users to specify network topologies and routing costs, and enabling independent substrate routing decisions to optimize traffic and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional physical routers are used for packet routing, then routing decisions can be made based on standard protocols, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot optimize based on supplemental information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of routing functionality through virtual network functions (VNFs) that run on general-purpose hardware. Instead of relying solely on physical routers, the system deploys software-based routing instances that can be replicated and distributed across multiple physical hosts, enabling flexible routing decisions based on supplemental information while maintaining standard protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer that adds a new dimension to the traditional physical routing infrastructure. By overlaying virtual networks on top of physical networks, the system enables routing decisions to consider additional dimensions such as service requirements, security policies, and traffic patterns beyond what traditional physical routers can handle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization technologies are used to provide logical networking functionality, then network flexibility and optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network manager as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of virtualization management. This manager coordinates between physical network resources and virtual network functions, automating provisioning, configuration, and optimization tasks. By centralizing management functions, the system provides flexible network configuration while shielding users from the underlying virtualization complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If packets are transmitted through multiple physical networks, then network coverage is expanded, but traffic optimization and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary routing decisions at the virtual network function level before packets are transmitted across physical networks. The system pre-calculates optimal paths considering service requirements, security policies, and traffic patterns, and configures forwarding rules in advance. This preliminary action enables traffic optimization and security enforcement while maintaining expanded network coverage through multiple physical networks.
Data Source
AI summary
With the advent of virtualization technologies, networks and routing for those networks can now be simulated using commodity hardware rather than actual routers. For example, virtualization technologies such as those provided by VMWare, XEN, or User-Mode Linux can be adapted to allow a single physical computing machine to be shared among multiple virtual networks by providing each virtual network user with one or more virtual machines hosted by the single physical computing machine, with each such virtual machine being a software simulation acting as a distinct logical computing system that provides users with the illusion that they are the sole operators and administrators of a given hardware computing resource. In addition, routing can be accomplished through software, providing additional routing flexibility to the virtual network in comparison with traditional routing. As a result, in some implementations, supplemental information other than packet information can be used to determine network routing.