Virtual Replica Network for Production Failure Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network failure simulation methods using simplistic models fail to accurately replicate production network conditions, including physical components, leading to inadequate testing of network resiliency and application behavior under failure scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method to create a virtual replica network that accurately replicates production networks by using multi-role network injection failure probes to introduce synthetic failures, employing either an out-of-band or in-band option, where virtual replica networks are created with virtual control and data planes, and interfaces, allowing for independent testing without interfering with production operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network failure scenarios are tested using simplistic network simulators or models, then the testing process is easier and faster, but the accuracy and comprehensiveness of replicating production network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual replicas (twins) of production network devices that copy their operational state, configuration, and behavior characteristics. These virtual twins accurately replicate production network conditions including routing protocols, interface counters, and physical component behaviors, enabling precise failure scenario testing without disrupting actual production networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the production network into multiple independent virtual replicas that can be tested in isolation. Each virtual twin is a separate testing environment that mirrors specific portions of the production network, allowing comprehensive failure scenario testing while maintaining ease of operation through independent virtual instance management.
2Measurement precision
If virtual replica networks are created to accurately replicate production networks, then the accuracy of network condition replication improves, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual twin technology serves multiple functions: it replicates production network conditions for testing, isolates failure scenarios for security, enables comprehensive resiliency testing, and provides a sandbox for network application behavior analysis. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering superior testing capabilities across multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual twins act as intermediaries between production networks and testing environments. They bridge the gap by accurately representing production conditions while providing a safe, isolated space for failure scenario testing, thereby reducing the need for direct complex integration between production and testing systems.
3Reliability
If network failure scenarios are introduced in production networks directly, then the testing provides real-world data, but the risk of disrupting production operations and network services increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of introducing failures directly into production networks, the patent creates virtual copies (twins) of production network devices that replicate their operational states. Failure scenarios are then introduced into these virtual twins, which safely isolate the testing process from production networks while maintaining validity through accurate replication of production conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual twin environment serves as a protective cushion that absorbs the risks of failure scenario testing. By pre-establishing virtual replicas before actual testing, the system prevents harmful effects from propagating to production networks while still enabling comprehensive resiliency testing through the virtual environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises: at a network device configured to be connected to a network and having control and data planes, and interfaces configured for network operations in the network: upon receiving, from a controller, instructions to form a local twin of the network device that is a virtual replica of the network device to be used for test purposes, creating the local twin and configuring the local twin to include virtual control and data planes, and virtual interfaces, which are virtual replicas of, and operate independently from, the control and data planes, and the interfaces, of the network device, respectively; and hosting the local twin on physical resources of the network device such that the local twin is configured for virtual network operations on the network device that replicate, but are independent from, the network operations.