Per Virtual Network Resource Teaming for Load Balancing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations constrain virtual networks to use resources as initially assigned at the physical level, leading to suboptimal load balancing and connectivity, particularly in advanced teaming techniques where primary ports may not be optimal for all virtual networks.
Innovation Solution
Configuring network resource teams at the virtual network level allows for independent assignment of primary ports and teaming characteristics for each VLAN, enabling optimal traffic balancing and advanced teaming techniques like Fast Path and Active Path on a per-VLAN basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If network resources are configured at the physical level with fixed primary ports, then device complexity is reduced and configuration is simplified, but load balancing efficiency and connectivity optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network resource configuration by creating separate team configurations for each virtual network (VLAN). Instead of a single physical-level team configuration that all VLANs must follow, each VLAN can now have its own team configuration with independently selected primary ports and teaming characteristics. This segmentation allows optimization per VLAN without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where primary ports and teaming characteristics can be selected differently for each virtual network based on specific requirements. The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic one where parameters can be adjusted per VLAN to optimize performance, enabling adaptive load balancing and connectivity management.
2Ease of operation
If a single primary port is assigned at the physical level, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but network reliability and traffic handling optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different primary ports to be assigned to different virtual networks based on their specific requirements. Each VLAN can have its own optimized configuration with primary ports selected based on local network conditions, connectivity requirements, and traffic patterns, rather than forcing a single uniform configuration across all virtual networks.
3Device complexity
If physical team configurations are fixed, then configuration management is simplified, but adaptability to different virtual network requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management scope from a single physical-level configuration to multiple virtual-network-level configurations. Each VLAN can be independently configured with its own team settings, primary port selections, and performance parameters, allowing tailored optimization for each virtual network while maintaining manageable complexity through modular configuration approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes at the virtual network level, allowing primary ports, teaming characteristics, and other configuration parameters to be adjusted specifically for each VLAN. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to different performance requirements, traffic patterns, and connectivity needs of various virtual networks without requiring complete reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system teams its network resource ports on a per virtual network basis. The system configures one or more virtual networks. For each of the one or more configured virtual networks, the system establishes a team comprising two or more of the network resource ports. The system selects a layer2 address that is uniquely associated with one of the ports of the team. The system assigns the selected unique layer2 address to be the primary layer2 address for the team.