Virtual Service Node Dynamic Binding for Scalable Network Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

In virtualized network environments, traditional inline network appliances struggle with scalability and dynamic provisioning due to the instantiation, migration, and management of virtual machines, leading to inefficiencies in providing network services like load balancing and security.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of virtual service nodes (VSNs) that are dynamically deployed, configured, and migrated, using service profiles based on virtual machine attributes rather than static network constructs, allowing for scalable and flexible network traffic services without the need for fixed appliances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional inline network appliances are used to provide network services, then network services can be provided, but scalability and adaptability deteriorate due to the dynamic nature of virtual machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to virtual machine dynamicsVSAvoidcomplexity of service deployment and management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the service node virtual and movable within the network fabric. The service node is no longer a fixed appliance but a virtual entity that can be dynamically instantiated, migrated, and scaled alongside virtual machines. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the service node to adapt to virtual machine dynamics while maintaining manageable complexity through virtualization abstraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating virtual instances of service nodes that can be replicated and distributed across the network. Instead of relying on a single physical appliance, multiple virtual service node instances can be deployed to handle different virtual machine workloads, improving scalability and adaptability while keeping individual node complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If virtual machines are dynamically instantiated and migrated, then service flexibility improves, but network service provisioning becomes inefficient with traditional appliances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of network service provisioningVSAvoidability to support dynamic virtual machine operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network fabric as an intermediary layer between virtual machines and service nodes. This fabric abstracts the physical infrastructure and enables dynamic service provisioning by allowing service nodes to be virtually attached to any virtual machine without physical reconfiguration. This resolves the contradiction by improving provisioning efficiency through automation while maintaining adaptability to dynamic virtual machine operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The service node is designed to be dynamically instantiated and migrated within the virtualized network environment. When virtual machines are instantiated or migrated, service nodes can be automatically created or moved to maintain service continuity, thereby improving productivity while fully supporting dynamic virtual machine operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If fixed network appliances are deployed, then service stability is maintained, but scalability and mobility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of network service deliveryVSAvoidscalability and mobility of services

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of service nodes that can be replicated across the network infrastructure. These virtual instances maintain service stability through consistent behavior and configuration while enabling scalability by deploying additional instances as needed. The virtual nature allows these copied service nodes to be migrated and moved freely, providing mobility without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The service node transitions from a fixed physical appliance to a dynamic virtual entity that can be instantiated, migrated, and scaled. This dynamic approach maintains service stability through virtualization abstraction and consistent service logic while simultaneously enabling scalability and mobility by allowing flexible deployment and relocation of service capacity across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8730980B2Architecture for scalable virtual network services

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Techniques are provided to start a virtual service node that is configured to provide network traffic services for one or more virtual machines. The virtual service node has at least one associated service profile comprising identifiers for corresponding service policies for network traffic services. The service policies identified in the at least one associated service profile are retrieved. A virtual machine is started with an associated virtual interface and a port profile is applied to the virtual interface, including information identifying the service profile. Information is provided to the virtual service node that informs the virtual service node of network parameters and assigned service profile of the virtual machine. Network traffic associated with the virtual machine is intercepted and redirected to the virtual service node. A virtual service data path is provided that enables dynamic service binding, virtual machine mobility support, and virtual service node chaining and/or clustering.