Virtual Machine Host Discovery via Probe Packet Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale ICT systems, especially those using virtualization technology, it is challenging to discover the current host physical computer of a virtual computer, especially when the virtualization software does not provide a query interface or when virtual machines are migrated during live migration, making it difficult for management systems to determine the correct host physical computer.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of probe packets with different hop count limits to determine the path to a remote computer, obtaining type data to differentiate between physical and virtual computers, and identifying the host physical computer hosting the virtual computer based on this data, without relying on virtualization software interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If network discovery techniques are used to collect CPU core information, then license management capability is improved, but the ability to accurately identify host physical computers in virtualized environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network discovery process into multiple phases: initial network topology discovery using standard techniques, followed by virtualization layer detection through probe packet analysis, and finally host physical computer identification by correlating virtual machine data with physical host information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain automated license management while improving identification accuracy through progressive refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the network discovery system and virtualization management. This intermediary collects probe packet responses, analyzes virtual machine host associations, and provides corrected host physical computer identification information back to the license management system, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization technology is deployed to improve system flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring host physical computers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-discovering and mapping virtual machine to physical host relationships before license management operations occur. The system proactively collects probe packet responses and builds a virtualization topology map in advance, so that when license checks are needed, the host physical computer identification is already available, reducing the difficulty of detection at the time of need.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where probe packet responses from virtual machines are continuously monitored and analyzed. The system receives feedback about virtual machine host associations and uses this information to update and refine its understanding of the virtualized environment, thereby reducing the difficulty of detecting host physical computers over time.
3Measurement precision
If probe packets with different hop count limits are transmitted to discover network paths, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting probe packets with selectively chosen hop count limits based on the specific discovery needs. Rather than exhaustively testing all possible hop counts, the system uses intelligent algorithms to determine sufficient probe depths, achieving adequate network path discovery accuracy while minimizing the time spent on excessive probing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic probe packet transmission with varying hop count limits rather than continuous exhaustive probing. The system periodically sends probes at different TTL values to map network paths incrementally, balancing measurement precision with time efficiency by avoiding constant re-probing of already-discovered paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus transmits a plurality of probe packets with different hop count limits to a remote computer of interest. Then, on the basis of responses to the probe packets, the management apparatus produces path data that indicates a path from the management apparatus to the remote computer. The management apparatus obtains type data from the remote computer and intervening computers on the path to the remote computer. This type data indicates whether each of the remote computer and intervening computers is a physical computer or a virtual computer. When the type data indicates that the remote computer is a virtual computer, the management apparatus determines a host physical computer that is hosting the remote computer, on the basis of the type data and path data.