Virtual Machine Network Interface Provisioning via Kernel Mediator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cloud systems often fail to support multiple network interfaces during the creation of custom virtual machine instances, leading to booting failures when additional interfaces are not available, which is a design constraint limiting VM functionality.

Innovation Solution

During virtual machine provisioning, an internal virtual network kernel interface is created if the number of available network interfaces is less than specified, allowing the VM to boot and function, and later replaced with external interfaces once provisioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cloud systems support multiple network interfaces during VM creation, then VM functionality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVM network interface supportVSAvoidsystem design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning a default network interface to the virtual machine during provisioning before the actual network interfaces are available. This allows the VM to boot and initialize with a placeholder interface, and the correct network interfaces can be assigned later during or after the provisioning process, thus supporting multiple interfaces without complicating the boot process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a default or placeholder network interface that mediates between the VM's need for network connectivity during boot and the system's inability to provide actual multiple network interfaces at that early stage. This intermediary interface allows the system to maintain simplicity while still enabling eventual multi-interface functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If cloud systems provide limited network interfaces during VM provisioning, then system design is simplified, but VM booting reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem design complexityVSAvoidVM booting reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by assigning a default network interface during VM provisioning to ensure the VM can boot reliably. This default interface is established before the actual network configuration is complete, preventing boot failures while keeping the system design relatively simple by using a standardized fallback approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a default network interface as a protective measure against the potential failure mode of having no network interface available during boot. This cushioning ensures that even if the specific network interfaces are not ready or configured, the VM can still initialize successfully, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If additional network interfaces are not available during VM creation, then system resource management is simplified, but VM functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface management complexityVSAvoidVM network functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by pre-allocating a default network interface during VM creation even when additional network interfaces are not yet available or configured. This allows the VM to be created and initialized with basic network functionality, and additional interfaces can be added later as they become available, thus maintaining simple interface management while enabling eventual enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the network interface configuration flexible and changeable over time. The VM starts with a default interface configuration that can be dynamically modified as additional network interfaces become available during or after provisioning. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity initially while adapting to provide more functionality as resources permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11216297B2Associating virtual network interfaces with a virtual machine during provisioning in a cloud system

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Examples described relate to associating virtual network interfaces with a virtual machine during provisioning in a cloud system. In an example, during booting of a virtual machine in a cloud system, a number of network interfaces associated with the virtual machine may be determined. A further determination may be made whether the number of network interfaces associated with the virtual machine is less than a number of network interfaces specified for the virtual machine to perform a function. In response to a determination that the number of network interfaces associated with the virtual machine is less than the number of network interfaces specified for the virtual machine to perform the function, an internal virtual network kernel interface may be created. The internal virtual network kernel interface may be associated with the virtual machine. The virtual machine may be provisioned in the cloud system.