Client Terminal Boot via Cached OS on External Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The startup time for client terminals in virtual desktop environments is prolonged due to the need to download and install the operating system and necessary software from a server during boot-up, which can be inefficient and time-consuming, especially when network quality is poor.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the client terminal caches the operating system and application modules on external storage, allowing it to boot using a previously stored OS and download updates in the background, thereby reducing startup time and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the client terminal downloads the operating system and application modules from the server during startup, then the system ensures centralized management and updated software versions, but the startup time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by caching the operating system and application modules on external storage (such as SD cards or USB devices) before they are needed. The client terminal downloads and stores these modules in advance during previous sessions or maintenance periods, so that during startup, the terminal can directly load them from local storage without waiting for network downloads, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring updated software and reducing startup time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external storage as an intermediary between the server and the client terminal's memory. The external storage acts as a buffer that holds cached copies of the OS and application modules, allowing the terminal to access updated software locally without requiring real-time network connection during startup, thereby mediating between centralized software management and fast boot performance
2Loss of time
If the client terminal stores the operating system and application modules in internal memory, then the startup time is reduced, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function for OS and application modules from the terminal's internal memory system and relocates it to external storage media. This separation allows the terminal to maintain a simpler internal storage architecture while still achieving fast startup by loading from external storage, effectively removing the burden of large internal storage requirements from the device design
Solution Approach 2:
The external storage serves multiple functions: it acts as a cache for the operating system, stores application modules, and can be easily replaced or upgraded. This multi-functional external storage solution avoids the need for complex internal storage management while providing the necessary functionality for fast startup and software updates
3Adaptability or versatility
If the client terminal uses network-boot-type configuration, then centralized software management is achieved, but the startup time becomes long due to network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-downloading and caching the operating system and application modules from the centralized server to external storage before the terminal needs to boot. This advance preparation allows the terminal to switch from network-dependent booting to local storage-based booting, maintaining centralized management benefits while eliminating network wait time during startup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the terminal to switch between different operational modes: it can operate with cached modules from external storage for fast startup, or update from the server when network connectivity is available and updates are needed. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its software source based on current needs, combining the benefits of both centralized management and fast booting
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a processor (11), a volatile memory (13), a BIOS-ROM (14), and an interface (19). An embedded OS in the BIOS-ROM causes the processor (11) to execute connecting the apparatus to a server via a network, and when the server sets a first OS as an OS in the apparatus by switching from the embedded OS, and a nonvolatile memory connected via the interface (19) stores a second OS used at previous startup of the apparatus, loading the second OS into the volatile memory (13) and starting the second OS. The second OS causes the processor (11) to execute downloading the first OS from the server and storing the downloaded first OS in the nonvolatile memory.