Container OS Upgrade via Auxiliary Host
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating system level virtualization methods restrict the ability to upgrade guest operating systems within containers due to kernel compatibility issues, leading to inflexibility and potential breakage of container functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an auxiliary host is used to copy and upgrade the operating system kernel and system files of a container from one version to another while preserving user applications and data, allowing seamless transition to a new OS version without affecting other containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If container-based virtualization is used to share the same kernel among multiple containers, then resource utilization and system efficiency are improved, but the ability to upgrade guest operating systems is restricted due to kernel compatibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the OS upgrade process into distinct phases: copying container data to an auxiliary host, performing the upgrade there, and then copying back to the destination host. This segmentation allows the upgrade to occur in isolation without affecting the running containerized environment, resolving the contradiction between shared kernel efficiency and upgrade capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary host as an intermediary system that temporarily holds container data during the upgrade process. This intermediary allows the kernel upgrade to be performed on a separate system while preserving container functionality on the original host, enabling OS upgrades without breaking the shared kernel model.
2Reliability
If the same kernel is used by the base operating system and all container operating systems, then system calls and hardware compatibility are ensured, but flexibility in upgrading individual container operating systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to transfer container system files and data to an auxiliary host before performing the OS upgrade. This copying mechanism preserves the original container's system state while allowing the kernel to be upgraded on the auxiliary host, maintaining compatibility guarantees while enabling flexible upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary copying of container data to the auxiliary host before initiating the OS upgrade process. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary files are prepared and isolated beforehand, allowing the upgrade to proceed without affecting the running containers and simplifying the overall operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data separation and restoration is performed during OS upgrade, then kernel compatibility issues can be addressed, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically copies container data to the auxiliary host, performs the OS upgrade, and restores the data without requiring manual intervention. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual separation and restoration processes while maintaining kernel compatibility through the auxiliary host mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by automatically performing the data copying and restoration operations as part of the integrated upgrade process. The auxiliary host continuously holds the container data throughout the upgrade, eliminating interruptions and manual steps, thus reducing upgrade time while maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for upgrading a container to another version of an operating system while preserving user applications and data of the container. In a general aspect, the method comprises: copying, from a first container host to an auxiliary host, an operating system kernel of the first container host, and system files and user applications and data of the container; upgrading on the auxiliary host the operating system, including the kernel of the operating system and system files of the container, from one version of the operating system to another version of the operating system, while preserving user applications and data; and copying, from the auxiliary host to a second container host, the system files of the upgraded operating system, and the preserved user applications and data.