Virtualized Network Switching via Logical Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtualization in networking systems does not effectively address the challenges of efficient resource utilization and security in multi-service environments, leading to potential service failures and increased security threats due to consolidation of server operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for switching in a virtualized platform that configures and manages logical switches using vertical and horizontal combinations of hypervisor-based, network adapter-based, and network switch-based switching functions, with a local manager providing interfacing services to expose these switches to external management entities, enabling efficient data routing and security across virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If server operations are consolidated into a single physical machine to improve resource utilization, then resource efficiency is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate because a crash or failure in one service affects all other services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments server operations into multiple virtual machines (VMs) that run concurrently on a single physical machine. Each VM operates as an isolated entity with its own operating system and service stack, allowing resource consolidation while maintaining service independence. This segmentation prevents failures in one VM from affecting other VMs, thus resolving the contradiction between resource utilization and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple operating systems run concurrently on a server to maintain protection levels while optimizing resource usage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for hypervisor software layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hypervisor as an intermediary software layer between the physical hardware and multiple guest operating systems. This hypervisor manages resource allocation and coordination, enabling multiple OS instances to run concurrently with proper isolation and protection. The intermediary handles the complexity of multi-OS management, allowing reliable service operation without requiring complex manual configuration or management of each individual OS instance.
Data Source
AI summary
A local manager in a local networking domain may configure a plurality of logical switches by combining switching functions available in network devices and/or network switches in the local networking domain. The configuration may utilize vertical and/or horizontal combinations of the switching functions. The switching functions may comprise network switch-based switching functions, and/or hypervisor-level switching functions and/or network adapter-level switching functions available in network devices which may be configured as virtualized platforms. The local manager may provide interfacing services to enable exposing configured logical switches. The interfacing services may comprise an internal interface, which may be utilized, via the local manager, to control the switching functions corresponding to logical switches and/or to route messages sent to and/or from the logical switches. The interfacing services may also comprise an external interface, which may be used by external entities, such as remote management entities, to manage and/or interact with configured logical switches.