Virtual Switch Standby Mode for Unused VMs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In virtual computing environments, virtual switches and physical NICs consume computing resources and power even when not in use, and open virtual switch ports can expose the system to security attacks.

Innovation Solution

A management module identifies virtual switches and physical NICs not coupled to running VMs and places them into a standby mode to conserve resources and enhance security by writing process data to storage and using power-saving options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If virtual switches and physical NICs remain active to ensure immediate availability, then system responsiveness is improved, but computing resource utilization and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidcomputing resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of virtual switches and physical NICs based on real-time workload conditions. When no VMs are coupled to a virtual switch, the system transitions it to standby mode, enabling adaptive resource management that balances responsiveness with resource conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of virtual switches and physical NICs from active to standby state based on coupling status. This parameter change allows the system to maintain quick reactivation capability while reducing resource consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If virtual switches and physical NICs remain active, then immediate connectivity is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic power management by transitioning virtual switches and physical NICs to standby mode when not in use, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly restore connectivity when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors and manages the power state of virtual switches and physical NICs based on their coupling status with VMs, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual switch ports remain open for potential connections, then adaptability is improved, but security exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity attack exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary protective action by placing virtual switches in standby mode when no VMs are coupled, which preemptively closes off potential attack vectors while preserving the ability to quickly restore connectivity when VMs are deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of virtual switches between active and standby states based on coupling status, dynamically adjusting security exposure while maintaining connection flexibility when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10091294B2Networking component management in host computing systems in a virtual computing environment

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 VMWARE INC

AI summary

Techniques for managing networking components in a host computing system in a virtual computing environment are described. The networking components include virtual switches and physical network interface cards (NICs). In one embodiment, a virtual switch that is not coupled to any running virtual machines in a host computing system is identified. Further, physical NICs associated with the virtual switch are identified. Furthermore, the virtual switch and the physical NICs associated with the virtual switch are placed into a standby mode.