Virtual Networking Devices for Network Topology Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of large-scale computer networks has become increasingly complex due to the scale and scope of data centers, requiring efficient and secure sharing of computing resources, which existing technologies struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual networking functionality that allows users to configure and manage network topologies for managed computer networks by emulating virtual networking devices, enabling the provision of networking functionality without physical implementation, and using a network-accessible configurable network service to manage communications and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If virtualization technologies are used to share computing resources among multiple customers, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but network configuration management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of networking devices (virtual Ethernet ports, virtual network interface cards) that replicate the functionality of physical networking devices. These virtual copies allow multiple virtual machines to access network resources independently without requiring physical device duplication, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through software-based abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between physical networking hardware and virtual machines. This intermediary layer (including virtual switching fabric and network I/O virtualization components) manages network configurations centrally, allowing efficient resource sharing while simplifying management by providing a unified control point rather than requiring individual configuration of each physical device connection.
2Reliability
If physical networking devices are implemented for each computing node, then network functionality reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical networking device functions into shared physical infrastructure that is accessed through virtual interfaces. Instead of requiring dedicated physical networking hardware for each computing node, the system combines network switches, routers, and other networking functions into shared resources that are logically divided among multiple virtual machines, maintaining reliability through virtualization-based isolation while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal virtual networking components that can serve multiple functions and multiple virtual machines simultaneously. Virtual network interface cards and virtual switching fabric provide multi-functional capabilities, acting as network switches, routers, and firewalls as needed, thereby maintaining reliable network functionality while reducing the need for specialized physical devices for each function.
3Reliability
If network topology is separated into logical sub-networks, then security and management efficiency are improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network topology into logical sub-networks through virtual switching fabric and virtual network interfaces that can be configured independently. This segmentation allows different security policies and management configurations for different logical networks while sharing underlying physical infrastructure, improving security through isolation while managing complexity through centralized virtualization control.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for providing managed virtual computer networks that may have a configured logical network topology with one or more virtual networking devices, with corresponding networking functionality provided for communications between multiple computing nodes of the virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by the networking devices if they were physically present. In some situations, the emulating of networking device functionality includes receiving routing communications directed to the networking devices and using included routing information to update the configured network topology for the managed computer network. In addition, the techniques may further include supporting interactions with devices that are external to the virtual computer network, including remote physical networking devices that are part of a remote computer network configured to interoperate with the virtual computer network, and/or specialized network devices that are accessible via a substrate network on which the virtual computer network is overlaid.