Virtual Machine Migration Across MPLS Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for virtual machine migration across multiprotocol label switching networks require complex registration hierarchies and involve the virtual machine in registration processes, which can disrupt service continuity during migration.

Innovation Solution

The solution introduces an area route reflector (ARR) to limit direct message transmission between label edge routers (LERs), using public IP addresses to define virtual machine identifiers (VMIDs) that are meaningless to intermediate routers, and employs ICMP and BGP messages for registration and binding updates, allowing virtual machine migration without awareness of the registration hierarchy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex registration hierarchy is implemented for VM migration across MPLS network, then routing control and management capability is improved, but system complexity and operational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting controlVSAvoidregistration hierarchy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the VM identification function from the complex registration hierarchy by using public IP addresses as VMIDs. This allows the system to maintain routing control without requiring VMs to participate in registration processes, effectively removing the problematic complexity while preserving essential functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where LERs use public IP addresses to identify and route to VMs without requiring direct registration. This intermediary approach simplifies the system by eliminating the need for VMs to be aware of or participate in the registration hierarchy, while LERs maintain control through IP-based routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If VM is involved in registration processes during migration, then registration control is improved, but service continuity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration controlVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the VM from the registration process entirely by using public IP addresses as identifiers. LERs perform registration and routing based on IP addresses without requiring VM participation, eliminating service disruption while maintaining registration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic registration and routing based on public IP addresses without requiring VM intervention. The LERs independently handle registration processes using IP-based identification, enabling seamless VM migration without service interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If public IP addresses are used as VMIDs, then router complexity is reduced, but routing precision for intermediate routers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouter complexityVSAvoidrouting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the routing function: LERs handle precise VM identification using public IP addresses as VMIDs, while intermediate routers simply forward packets based on standard IP routing. This segmentation reduces overall router complexity while maintaining routing precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different levels of routing precision to different router types: LERs use public IP addresses for precise VM identification and registration, while intermediate routers use standard IP routing for efficient packet forwarding. This local quality approach optimizes both precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2732587B1Methods for supporting migration of virtual machines across multiprotocol label switching network and corresponding devices

Publication Date: 2019.09.04 ALCATEL LUCENT SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c

AI summary

Methods for supporting migration of virtual machines across multiprotocol label switching network and corresponding devices are disclosed. A method for supporting migration of virtual machines across multiprotocol label switching network comprises the steps of: a first label edge router (LER) receiving a migration enablement function (MEF) discovery message from a first virtual machine that wishes to register with the first LER; the first LER updating its own virtual machine binding database to reflect binding of the first virtual machine to the first LER; and the first LER sending a MEF advertisement message to the first virtual machine to indicate that the first LER completes the registration of the first virtual machine. According to this invention, no complex registration hierarchy is needed. Furthermore, the virtual machine has no need to get aware of the registration hierarchy and only a few registration signaling and processes involve the virtual machine.