VLAN Translation for Server Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of the VLAN protocol, such as 802.1Q, restrict the number of unique VLAN IDs to 4096 per grid, leading to issues in bridging servers of different users on a single network switch, causing suboptimal resource utilization, scalability problems, and increased management complexity as new grids are added.
Innovation Solution
A hosting system that includes a front-end user interface for configuring and provisioning virtual and dedicated servers, with a remote management module that automatically deploys server configurations using actuators, and employs VLAN translation to extend broadcast domains and maintain unique VLAN IDs for each customer, allowing dedicated and virtual servers to be placed on the same switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VLAN protocol (802.1Q) is used for network segmentation, then network security and logical division are improved, but the number of unique VLAN IDs is limited to 4096 per grid, preventing servers of different users from being bridged on the same network switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a VLAN translation intermediary component that sits between the existing VLAN infrastructure and new network segments. This intermediary translates VLAN tags from one format to another, enabling extended VLAN ID ranges while maintaining compatibility with standard 802.1Q switches. The intermediary acts as a bridge that preserves network security through controlled translation while expanding the available VLAN ID space beyond the 4096 limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the VLAN ID space by introducing an additional dimension to the VLAN identification structure. Instead of being limited to 12-bit VLAN IDs (4096 values), the system incorporates extended VLAN tags or hierarchical VLAN structures that add another layer of identification, effectively creating a multi-dimensional VLAN addressing scheme that supports millions of VLANs while maintaining backward compatibility.
2Reliability
If separate network switches are reserved for each grid, then VLAN ID limitations are avoided, but resource utilization becomes suboptimal and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple VLAN domains into a single network switch infrastructure by implementing VLAN translation capabilities within the switch or through an intermediary component. This consolidation allows servers from different grids and users to coexist on the same physical switch while maintaining logical segmentation. The merging approach reduces the total number of physical switches required while preserving network security through intelligent VLAN tag translation and mapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration and provisioning is performed by system operators, then customization and control are improved, but provisioning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation capabilities that allow the system to automatically provision, configure, and manage VLAN translations based on predefined policies and user requirements. The automated system can dynamically create VLAN translation rules, allocate VLAN IDs, and configure network parameters without requiring manual operator intervention for each provisioning task. This self-service approach maintains customization flexibility through configurable policies while dramatically reducing provisioning time and operational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary configuration frameworks and policy templates that pre-defin e VLAN translation rules, security parameters, and resource allocation strategies. These pre-configured templates enable rapid deployment of new VLANs and network segments by simply instantiating predefined configurations rather than manually creating each setting from scratch. The preliminary action approach preserves customization through adjustable parameters while accelerating the provisioning process through template-based automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hosting system is provided. The hosting system includes a grid of hardware nodes for provisioning virtual servers including a first virtual server for a first user and a second virtual server for a second user. The hosting system further includes dedicated servers including a first dedicated server for the first user and a second dedicated server for the second user. A switch, in response to the first virtual server and the second virtual server having overlapping virtual local area network (VLAN) identifications (IDs), defines a first broadcast domain for the first user and a second broadcast domain for the second user, places the first virtual server and the first dedicated server in the first broadcast domain, and places the second virtual server and the second dedicated server in the second broadcast domain.