Cross-Host Virtual Disk Snapshot Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized systems, snapshots of virtual machines can only be prepared and used by the computer system that hosts them, limiting flexibility and performance in multi-node environments, as it requires shutdowns for snapshotting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a first computer system to prepare a snapshot of a virtual machine hosted by a second computer system, enabling the second system to use the snapshot, thereby enhancing flexibility and performance by enabling load balancing across nodes without shutting down virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If snapshots are prepared and used only by the host system, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and performance in multi-node environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage system as an intermediary between host systems and virtual machines. This storage system receives snapshots from one host and provides them to another host, enabling cross-system snapshot usage without requiring direct complex integration between host systems. The intermediary handles the complexity of snapshot management, transmission, and usage authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores snapshots, manages snapshot metadata, handles snapshot transmission between hosts, and coordinates snapshot usage across different host systems. This multi-functionality allows a single system to enable flexible multi-node operations without requiring each host to implement complex snapshot management capabilities.
2Productivity
If snapshots require host system shutdown for preparation, then snapshot integrity is ensured, but system productivity and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by capturing the virtual machine's memory state and disk configuration before the actual snapshot operation. The storage system receives these preliminary state information and creates snapshots that can be applied without shutting down the host system. This allows snapshot preparation to occur while the system remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of shutting down the host system to create snapshots with a software-based snapshot mechanism. The storage system uses virtualized snapshot technology that captures system state through software interfaces rather than requiring physical system shutdown, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring snapshot integrity through coordinated software management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each host system manages its own snapshots independently, then system simplicity is maintained, but load balancing and resource utilization across nodes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges snapshot management functions across multiple host systems by introducing a centralized storage system that handles snapshot operations for all hosts. Instead of each host independently managing its own snapshots, the storage system consolidates this functionality, enabling coordinated snapshot operations that support load balancing and resource utilization across the entire multi-node environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system acts as an intermediary that mediates between host systems and snapshot management. It receives snapshot requests from hosts, manages the snapshot creation and transmission processes, and coordinates snapshot usage across different hosts. This intermediary role enables load balancing capability while concentrating the complexity of snapshot management in a dedicated system rather than distributing it across all hosts.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for preparing and using snapshots in a virtualized environment. In accordance with one example, a first computer system prepares, in an area of a storage device, a snapshot of a virtual disk of a virtual machine that is hosted by a second computer system. The first computer system then provides to the second computer system a reference to the prepared snapshot.