Virtualized Environment Traceroute via Host OS Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized environments, the conventional 'traceroute' command is not available, making it difficult to diagnose network connection issues since applications within these environments cannot trace the path to a destination computer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a user command to execute a trace route in a virtualized environment by building a command string, transmitting it to a network interface outside the virtualized environment for execution, and receiving and outputting the results back within the virtualized environment, enabling tracing of network paths and identifying potential problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtualized environment is created in the operating system, then system resource utilization and flexibility are improved, but the 'traceroute' command becomes unavailable to applications within the virtualized environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway or intermediary component that bridges the virtualized environment and the host operating system. This intermediary captures traceroute commands from applications within the virtualized environment, translates them into host OS commands, executes them on the host, and returns the results to the virtualized environment. This allows the traceroute functionality to be accessed indirectly without requiring the command to be natively available within the virtualized environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a virtual traceroute command that is copied or emulated within the virtualized environment. Instead of relying on the native traceroute command from the host OS, a virtual version is created that operates within the constraints of the virtualized environment while providing equivalent functionality. This virtual command intercepts network traffic and reconstructs route information without requiring direct access to host OS commands.
2Stability of the object's composition
If applications within the virtualized environment cannot execute the 'traceroute' command, then network path tracing capability is lost, but maintaining the virtualized environment structure is preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a mediator that preserves the virtualized environment structure while restoring network diagnosis capability. It intercepts traceroute commands within the virtualized environment, forwards them to the host OS for execution, and returns results without requiring structural changes to the virtualization layer. This maintains environmental stability while enabling reliable network path tracing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traceroute functionality into separate components: the command interface within the virtualized environment, the translation layer in the gateway, and the execution layer on the host OS. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently in its appropriate environment, preserving the virtualized structure while restoring diagnostic capability through coordinated interaction between segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A traceroute command may be used to diagnose a computer network or provide additional information regarding a computer network. A traceroute command may be provided to applications executing within a virtualized environment by allowing commands to be passed from the virtualized environment to a host operating system through a network interface. The traceroute command may be executed by the host operating system, and network information returned to the application in the virtualized environment.