Cloud-Independent Container Node Upgrade via Replacement Instantiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrading container nodes in a cloud environment often requires manual processes, leading to undesired downtime, and existing cloud provisioning services do not support seamless containerized upgrades or customized machine images, resulting in potential downtime for services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for upgrading container nodes in a cloud environment by instantiating replacement nodes with a new version identifier, migrating container deployment units, and updating configurations, allowing for automated and orderly termination of container deployment units without downtime, and enabling operation on different cloud environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual upgrade process is used for container nodes, then upgrade can be performed, but downtime occurs and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating replacement container nodes with the new version before terminating the old nodes. The replacement nodes are instantiated, configured, and validated in advance, ensuring that service continuity is maintained during the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces replacement container nodes as intermediaries between the old container nodes and the final upgraded state. These intermediate nodes handle traffic and services during the transition, preventing direct disruption to the service pipeline.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud provisioning services are used for upgrades, then infrastructure scaling is enabled, but support for customized machine images and seamless containerized upgrades is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade service is designed to be cloud-agnostic and environment-agnostic, working across multiple cloud providers and container orchestration platforms. It provides universal functionality for managing container node upgrades regardless of the underlying infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service upgrades through automated service pipelines that can be configured and executed without manual intervention. The upgrade process is orchestrated automatically, with the system managing node instantiation, configuration, and termination autonomously.
3Productivity
If container nodes are upgraded in place, then resource utilization is maintained, but upgrade complexity and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade process is segmented into distinct phases: creating replacement nodes, configuring them with new versions, validating their functionality, and then terminating old nodes. This segmentation reduces complexity by breaking down the upgrade into manageable, isolated steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying existing container nodes in place, the system creates complete copies (replacement nodes) with the new version. This copying approach simplifies the upgrade process by avoiding complex in-place modifications and reducing risk.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for upgrading a container node in a cloud environment. The system includes a processor coupled to a memory and a network interface. The processor is configured to obtain a version identifier associated with a cloud-based server instance and one or more container nodes operable in a cloud environment. The processor is further configured to identify the one or more container nodes associated with the cloud-based server instance. The processor is further configured to upgrade the one or more container nodes by instantiating one or more replacement container nodes having a pre-determined upgrade configuration associated with a new version identifier. The processor is further configured to associate the new version identifier with the cloud-based server instance and the one or more replacement container nodes.