Virtualized Cluster System Controller for Automated VM Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized application clusters, the dynamic assignment of MAC addresses to virtual machines makes it difficult for DHCP servers to recognize and manage them, hindering automated deployment and scaling, as human intervention is required to configure MAC addresses post-deployment.
Innovation Solution
A system controller within the virtualized application cluster receives control information defining virtual machine functions and identifiers, determining booting information to send back to virtual machines, enabling automated deployment and scaling without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MAC addresses are assigned randomly at virtual machine creation, then virtual machine deployment flexibility is improved, but DHCP server recognition and automated deployment capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a system controller as an intermediary component between the virtual machines and the external environment. This controller receives boot requests from virtual machines, determines their functions based on the requests, and provides appropriate boot information. The system controller acts as a mediator that enables automated deployment without requiring DHCP server recognition of random MAC addresses, thus resolving the contradiction between deployment flexibility and automation capability
2Measurement precision
If human intervention is used to configure MAC addresses in DHCP server, then DHCP server recognition accuracy is improved, but deployment time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the system controller determine virtual machine functions and prepare boot information before the virtual machines actually boot. The controller proactively provides boot information including IP addresses and configuration data to virtual machines that request to boot, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual MAC address configuration in DHCP servers while maintaining accurate recognition and configuration
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of virtual machine identifiers is required, then configuration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling virtual machines to automatically obtain their configuration information from the system controller. When a virtual machine sends a boot request, the system controller automatically determines its function and provides the appropriate boot information without requiring manual configuration. This self-service mechanism maintains configuration accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation and enabling seamless scaling
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for operating a system controller of a virtualized application cluster is presented. The cluster comprises one or multiple virtual machines. In a method embodiment the system controller receives, from outside the cluster, control information defining a function associated with a virtual machine. It further receives, from the virtual machine, a request message including an identifier of the virtual machine. The method also comprises determining, based on the identifier included in the request message, the function associated with the virtual machine and booting information associated with the function. The booting information is then sent in a response message to the virtual machine.