Virtual Switch Port Removal via Segmented Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in safely removing ports from virtual switches, particularly in software-defined networking environments, as they often result in performance degradation and latency issues during port status changes due to inadequate separation of logical and physical shutdown processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that performs separate logical and physical shutdowns of ports, where the logical shutdown involves sending messages to the control plane to notify network controllers, and the physical shutdown is initiated only after ensuring no data packets need to traverse the port, with functions like rejecting link discovery protocols and handling data packets until the port is safely removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If port shutdown is initiated without separating logical and physical shutdown processes, then port removal is faster, but performance degradation and latency issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the port shutdown process into two distinct phases: logical shutdown (control plane) and physical shutdown (data plane). The logical shutdown initiates the shutdown sequence and notifies the controller, while the physical shutdown actually removes the port from the virtual switch. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability during the transition by keeping the data plane functional until the control plane confirms the shutdown is necessary, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast removal and performance stability.
2Productivity
If port is removed immediately from virtual switch, then port availability is reduced, but shutdown process is faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by initiating the logical shutdown process before executing the physical shutdown. The logical shutdown sends notifications to the controller and prepares the system for the upcoming physical shutdown, allowing time for any necessary reconfigurations or notifications to be completed. This preliminary action ensures that data packets are not lost during the transition, as the system has already been notified and can prepare appropriate handling, thereby resolving the contradiction between shutdown efficiency and packet transmission time.
3Reliability
If logical shutdown is performed before physical shutdown, then network controller is notified in advance, but port remains active longer causing resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the logical shutdown process monitors the status of the physical shutdown and provides updates to the controller. The controller receives notifications about the shutdown progression and can make informed decisions about resource allocation. This feedback loop ensures that the port resources are released as soon as the physical shutdown is complete, minimizing resource waste while maintaining accurate controller notification, thereby resolving the contradiction between notification accuracy and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments for supporting safe port removal are presented. Various example embodiments for supporting safe port removal may be configured to support safe port removal for a port of a virtual switch. Various example embodiments for supporting safe port removal for a port of a virtual switch may be configured to support safe removal of the port of the virtual switch such that the port is no longer available for use on the virtual switch. Various example embodiments for supporting safe port removal for a port of a virtual switch may be configured to support safe removal of the port of the virtual switch by performing separate logical and physical shutdowns of the port and performing one or more functions for the port (e.g., rejecting link discovery packets, continuing to handle data packets, and so forth) between the logical and physical shutdowns of the port.