Virtual Switch Load Balancing via vNIC Processing Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-balancing hardware devices are not optimized for virtualized platforms and are expensive, lacking awareness of virtualization components like vNICs and virtual switches, which limits their performance in managing network traffic effectively.
Innovation Solution
A virtualized platform with a virtual switch connected to vNICs applies a load-balancing algorithm based on the processing rate of network packets to select the appropriate vNIC or software port for routing, enabling efficient load balancing among virtual machines by monitoring and routing network packets within the virtualized environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load-balancing hardware devices (e.g., Citrix NetScaler, F5 BIG-IP) are used to manage network traffic, then load balancing capability is provided, but the cost is high and the devices are not optimized for virtualized platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware load balancers with a software-based load balancing module integrated into the virtual switch. This software module monitors network packets and applies load-balancing algorithms to select appropriate vNICs, eliminating the need for expensive external hardware devices while maintaining load balancing functionality in virtualized environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual switch is enhanced with integrated load balancing functionality, making it a multi-functional device that can both switch network packets and perform load balancing across multiple vNICs. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated load balancing hardware, reducing cost and improving compatibility with virtualized platforms.
2Productivity
If traditional load-balancing algorithms based on layer 2 control information are used, then routing decisions can be made, but the algorithms cannot effectively utilize layer 4-7 control information for applications with multiple software ports
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancing module dynamically inspects network packets to determine their layer 4-7 control information and adaptively selects load balancing algorithms based on the specific application protocol being used. This allows the system to optimize routing decisions for different application types (e.g., HTTP, FTP, custom protocols) rather than using a static layer 2-only approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The module monitors network packet flow and uses feedback from observed traffic patterns to make intelligent routing decisions. By analyzing control information in incoming packets, the system can identify application-specific requirements and adjust load balancing behavior accordingly, improving both productivity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualized platform includes a virtual switch connected to the virtual network interface cards (vNICs) for a group of virtual machines running the same application program that is associated with multiple software ports. A module in the virtualized platform monitors the virtual switch's receipt of a network packet that includes control information relating to the application program and its software ports. The module applies a load balancing algorithm to select a vNIC from the vNICs connected or connectable to the virtual switch, based on the rate of processing of previous network packets by each the vNICs (e.g., as measured by the size of a network packet queue). The module might also apply the load balancing algorithm to select a software port for the application. The module then causes the virtual switch to route the network packet to the selected vNIC and software port.