Dynamic VM and Gateway Migration in Virtualized Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized networking environments, inefficient network utilization occurs due to suboptimal placement of virtual machines and gateways, leading to longer or more complex network paths and increased overhead, especially when physical hardware elements are distributed across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines physical element properties and utilization within a virtualized network topology to dynamically migrate virtual machines and reconfigure gateways, optimizing their placement to balance network load and reduce traffic, while suggesting resource upgrades or additions as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are deployed on distributed physical hardware elements, then virtual machine placement flexibility is improved, but network path length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically migrates virtual machines between physical hosts based on real-time network conditions and load balancing requirements. The virtual machine placement is not static but adapts continuously, allowing the system to maintain flexibility while optimizing network paths by moving VMs to hosts that minimize network distance to gateways and other VMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements location-aware network virtualization that creates different network paths based on the physical location of virtual machines relative to gateways. By analyzing the physical topology and assigning VMs to hosts based on their proximity to network resources, the system optimizes local network quality while maintaining overall deployment flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gateways are placed on physical elements distributed across datacenter locations, then gateway deployment flexibility is improved, but network traffic overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system consolidates multiple gateway functions onto specific physical hosts that are strategically selected based on network topology and VM distribution. Rather than dispersing gateways across all hosts, the patent merges gateway resources onto optimal hosts, reducing the number of network hops and minimizing traffic overhead while maintaining deployment flexibility through virtualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network virtualization layer that acts as an intermediary between physical network infrastructure and virtual machines. This layer intelligently routes traffic through optimal paths, mediating between the distributed physical gateway locations and the VMs to minimize network overhead while preserving gateway deployment flexibility.
3Productivity
If virtual machines are migrated to optimize network topology, then network efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated self-service mechanisms where the network virtualization layer autonomously monitors network conditions, determines optimal VM placements, and executes migrations without manual intervention. This self-service approach handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to administrators, thereby improving network efficiency without proportionally increasing perceived system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor network performance, VM locations, and resource utilization. This feedback drives automated decision-making for VM migration and gateway placement, allowing the system to dynamically optimize network efficiency while the feedback mechanism manages the complexity of coordinating multiple migration operations across the distributed infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Improving a distributed network environment. A method includes determining physical element properties of physical elements in a virtualized network topology. The method further includes determining gateway placement on a first physical element of the virtualized network topology. The method further includes determining utilization of physical elements in the virtualized network topology. Based on the physical element properties, gateway placement, and utilization of physical elements in the virtualized network topology, the method further includes determining an improved virtualized network topology to improve use of physical elements in the virtualized network topology.