Base Delta Disk for Seamless Virtual Machine Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating virtual machines, particularly linked clones, result in significant downtime as active clones must be terminated and recreated when the parent virtual machine is updated, disrupting services and being time-consuming due to the need for complete image rebuilds.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a base delta disk on the parent virtual machine that allows updates to be deployed while active clones remain active, with the delta disk being merged into the main disk after updates are complete, enabling seamless restart of linked clones from an updated base VM, reducing downtime and maintenance overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new virtual machine image is created to update operating systems, software applications, or security vulnerabilities, then the virtual machine can be updated, but active virtual machine instances must be terminated and recreated causing long downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual machine disk is segmented into a base image and a delta disk. The base image contains the operating system and applications, while the delta disk stores only the differences (changes) from the base image. This segmentation allows updates to be applied efficiently without requiring complete image rebuilds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a base delta disk in advance that captures differences between the current base image and the updated image. This preliminary action allows the delta disk to be ready for rapid application to active virtual machine instances, minimizing downtime during updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complete virtual machine image is rebuilt for updates, then all software and operating systems are updated, but the process is time-consuming and impacts users during downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary changes (deltas) from the complete updated image and stores them in a delta disk. This extraction allows the system to apply updates efficiently by combining the base image with only the relevant differences, rather than transferring and processing entire images.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete image rebuild (excessive action), the system applies only the necessary partial updates through the delta disk. This partial action significantly reduces update time and resource consumption while achieving the same update objective.
3Reliability
If virtual machine instances are terminated to apply updates, then the operating system can be upgraded, but users are denied service during the downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous operation during updates by applying delta disk changes to active virtual machine instances without termination. The delta disk mechanism allows the operating system to be updated while instances remain running, maintaining service availability throughout the upgrade process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for updating a virtual machine that is utilized as a base virtual machine for one or more linked clone virtual machines. The method comprises deploying the base virtual machine on a host system, the base virtual machine comprising a base virtual disk which is attachable to the one or more linked clones and a base delta disk. The method further comprises deploying a software update to the base delta disk of the base virtual machine and once the software update is deployed to the base delta disk of the base virtual machine, shutting down the base virtual machine. The method further comprises updating the base virtual machine by merging the software update deployed on the base delta disk of the base virtual machine with the base virtual disk of the base virtual machine.