Virtual Private Network IP Address Space Resizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing provider networks do not allow customers to dynamically add additional IP address spaces to their virtual private networks, leading to potential resource shortages due to underestimation of growth, resulting in inefficient use of IP address space.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for customers to request and add additional IP address spaces to their virtual private networks via an API, with the control plane ensuring non-overlap with existing spaces and configuring the new IP address space within the network, allowing for resizing of virtual private networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If customers are not allowed to add additional IP address spaces to virtual private networks, then network configuration simplicity is maintained, but IP address resource availability deteriorates leading to potential shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resizing of virtual private networks by allowing customers to add additional IP address spaces on-demand through API requests. The system dynamically evaluates requests, checks for overlaps with existing address spaces, and configures new spaces without requiring network reconfiguration or customer knowledge of network internals, thus increasing IP address availability while maintaining configuration simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional IP address spaces are added dynamically, then IP address resource availability is improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where customers can autonomously request additional IP address spaces through API calls without requiring provider intervention. The control plane automatically processes these requests by evaluating overlap conditions and configuring appropriate routing rules, thereby enhancing adaptability while minimizing the complexity burden on both customer and provider operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IP address spaces are allowed in virtual private networks, then resource flexibility is improved, but risk of address space overlap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism in the control plane that automatically evaluates each IP address space addition request against existing address spaces in the virtual private network. The system provides immediate feedback on whether the requested space overlaps with existing spaces, and only permits configuration if no overlap is detected, thus maintaining address space integrity while enabling flexible network sizing.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual networks may be launched in a provider network with an initial IP address space (e.g., an IPv4 CIDR block). Methods are described that allow additional IP address spaces to be added to a virtual network. A new IP address space for a virtual network may be specified via an API. The specified space may be checked to insure that it does not overlap with IP spaces that are associated with the virtual network. If there are no overlaps, the space is added to the network, for example by adding the space to the network's route tables.