Virtual Switching Table for VM Migration Without Packet Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations require physical reconfiguration of wires to change network topology or migrate virtual machines, which can disrupt network traffic and are inefficient in managing virtual network paths between virtual machines on different computers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating and managing virtual network paths using virtual switching tables associated with virtual network interface cards (VNICs) that allow for migration of virtual machines between blades without dropping network packets, by populating and updating the virtual switching table to maintain network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical wires are reconfigured to migrate virtual machines or change network topology, then network connectivity can be maintained, but network traffic disruption occurs and reconfiguration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network connection path by introducing a virtual wire that parallels the physical wire. This virtual wire contains virtual network interface cards (VNICs) at each end that replicate the functionality of physical NICs, allowing network traffic to be redirected through virtual switching tables without physically moving wires. The virtual copy enables seamless migration of virtual machines while maintaining continuous network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual wire as an intermediary layer between physical network infrastructure and virtual machines. This virtual wire includes virtual network interface cards and virtual switching tables that mediate network traffic flow, allowing physical network connections to remain static while virtual machine locations change. The intermediary virtual layer decouples physical reconfiguration requirements from virtual machine migration needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical wires are disconnected and reconnected to migrate virtual machines, then virtual machines can move between computers, but physical reconfiguration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically plugging and unplugging network wires with a software-based virtual wire system. Instead of manually reconnecting physical cables to move virtual machines, the system uses virtual switching tables and virtual network interface cards to redirect network traffic electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for physical reconfiguration while maintaining virtual machine mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual wire infrastructure provides universal network connectivity that works regardless of which physical computer hosts a virtual machine. The virtual switching tables can dynamically route traffic to any VNIC in the network, making the network infrastructure adaptable to any virtual machine placement without requiring physical reconfiguration. This multi-functionality enables seamless virtual machine migration across different hosts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual switching tables are updated during virtual machine migration, then network paths can be reconfigured, but network packet loss may occur during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent updates the virtual switching table in advance of actual virtual machine migration to prepare the network path for incoming traffic. By pre-configuring the virtual switching table with the new VNIC location before the virtual machine actually moves, the system ensures that network packets are already routed to the correct destination when traffic flows, preventing packet loss during the migration transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual wire maintains continuous network connectivity throughout the migration process by keeping the virtual network interface cards active and the virtual switching table continuously operational. Unlike physical wire disconnection which interrupts traffic flow, the virtual wire allows network packets to flow continuously through the virtual switching table, which dynamically updates routing information without interrupting the useful action of network communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer readable medium for reconfiguring a virtual network path. A virtual switching table associated with virtual network interface cards (VNICs) is populated and used to implement the virtual network path. The virtual network path includes a first virtual wire between a first VNIC located in a first computer and a second VNIC located in a second computer. A first network packet and a second network packet are placed in a receive buffer associated with the second VNIC. The first network packet is transmitted to the second VNIC using the virtual switching table. The second VNIC is migrated from the second computer to a third computer. The virtual switching table is updated based on migrating the second VNIC. The second network packet is transmitted to the second VNIC in the third computer using the virtual switching table.