Virtual Topology Data Transformation for Multi-Tenant Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer networks face challenges in efficiently managing and transforming data based on varying virtual topologies to meet different tenant requirements for security, performance, and resiliency, often resulting in inefficiencies due to physical topology constraints and redundant configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data transformation system that processes and modifies data to emulate the performance of virtual topology entities (VTEs) by mapping VTEs to digital devices in a physical topology, allowing for flexible instantiation of multiple virtual topologies on a single physical infrastructure, and modifying metadata to reflect virtual topology operations without altering the payload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is processed according to physical topology arrangement, then network connectivity is established, but network performance and security requirements of different tenants cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the physical network topology into multiple virtual topologies, where each virtual topology represents a logical network view for a specific tenant. This segmentation allows different tenants to have customized network arrangements (virtual topologies) that meet their specific security and performance requirements, while the underlying physical topology remains unchanged. Each virtual topology can be independently configured and managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization dimension to the physical network topology. By creating virtual topologies that overlay the physical infrastructure, the system enables multiple logical network views simultaneously. This dimensional transformation allows tenants to access network resources through virtual interfaces that abstract the physical complexity, providing adaptability without increasing physical device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual topologies are instantiated on physical infrastructure, then tenant-specific requirements are met, but data transformation overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network topology entities (such as virtual routers, switches, and firewalls) that operate on the physical infrastructure. These virtual entities process data according to their respective virtual topology configurations without requiring separate physical hardware for each tenant. The virtual copies enable multiple tenants to have isolated network views while sharing the underlying physical resources efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs network entities with multi-functional capabilities that can serve multiple virtual topologies simultaneously. A single physical network entity can perform functions for multiple tenants by dynamically switching between different virtual topology configurations. This universality reduces the need for dedicated resources per tenant while maintaining performance efficiency through resource sharing and virtualization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical topology constraints are followed, then network stability is maintained, but flexibility for different tenant configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual topology configurations that can be modified without changing the underlying physical topology. Virtual network entities can be dynamically created, moved, or reconfigured to meet changing tenant requirements while the stable physical infrastructure remains unchanged. This dynamic capability allows flexible adaptation to different configuration needs while maintaining network stability through the immutable physical layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual topology entities as intermediaries between tenants and the physical network infrastructure. These virtual entities act as mediators that translate tenant-specific configuration requirements into operations on the stable physical infrastructure. The intermediary layer provides flexibility for configuration changes while isolating the physical topology from direct modification, thereby maintaining network stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for transforming data based on a virtual topology are disclosed. A computer network is associated with a physical topology and a virtual topology. A physical topology is a particular arrangement of digital devices. A virtual topology is a description of a particular arrangement of virtual topology entities (VTEs). VTEs of the virtual topology are instantiated on digital devices of the physical topology. A processing component associated with a particular VTE processes data to perform one or more functions of the particular VTE. An emulation component associated with the particular VTE modifies the data to emulate performance of the functions by the particular VTE.