Boot Sequence Probing via Code Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques cannot dynamically probe the boot sequence of a computer system, which is essential for troubleshooting and performance analysis, especially during booting processes like hard and soft resets, network booting, and resume from hibernate.
Innovation Solution
Instrumenting probes into the boot sequence of a computer system, enabling the injection of executable code during the boot process to collect and analyze data, allowing for the probing of both virtualized and non-virtualized systems across various booting types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional probing techniques (DTrace, VProbes) are used, then system performance can be monitored during normal operation, but the boot sequence cannot be probed dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent instruments probes into the boot sequence before the system boots, by embedding probe code in the boot device's storage location. This preliminary action enables the system to capture boot sequence data during the actual boot process, rather than attempting to probe after booting is complete or relying on post-mortem analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a probe instrumentation system that sits between the boot device and the system software. This intermediary captures and records boot sequence events without preventing the boot process from completing, allowing dynamic observation of the boot sequence while maintaining system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If probes are instrumented into the boot sequence by injecting executable code, then dynamic probing capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probing functionality into distinct components: probe definition (user specifies what to probe), probe compilation (conversion to byte code), probe injection (embedding in boot sequence), and probe execution (data collection during boot). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses byte code as an intermediary representation that can be compiled from probe definitions and then injected into the boot sequence. This copying approach allows the same probe logic to be reused across different boot scenarios without requiring separate instrumentation for each case, reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If probing is enabled by writing a value to a predetermined storage location, then easy activation is achieved, but there is a risk of false activation or security issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a predetermined storage location that serves multiple functions: it acts as both the boot device's normal data storage and as the activation flag for probe instrumentation. By checking this location during boot, the system can determine whether probing should be enabled without requiring separate control mechanisms, simplifying operation while maintaining reliability through the boot process's existing trust boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
Probes are instrumented into a boot sequence of a computer system to enable probing of the boot sequence. As part of the boot sequence, a value stored in a predetermined storage location within a boot device is read and, if the value indicates that probing of the boot sequence has been enabled, executable code for probing the boot sequence is injected into the boot sequence. Outputs of the probing during the boot process are collected into a buffer and analyzed after the completion of the boot process.