Detached Mode Operation Reduces OS Update Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional operating system updates can cause latency-sensitive applications to become unresponsive for extended periods, failing to meet performance requirements due to the need for applications to shut down during the update process, which is detrimental in cloud-based environments serving hundreds of thousands of clients concurrently.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'detached mode' of operation where latency-sensitive applications can continue to process requests by isolating system resources, allowing them to operate independently of the updating operating system, using a temporary-use replacement set of privileged software and maintaining access to a subset of resources, thereby minimizing downtime during OS updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional operating system updates are performed, then the operating system is updated to a new version, but applications must shut down and become unresponsive during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating system into a running instance and an updating instance. The running instance continues to serve applications while the updatinginstance performs updates in parallel. This segmentation allows the application to remain responsive during OS updates by isolating the update process from the running application environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that allows applications to detach from the operating system during updates. This intermediary enables applications to continue running independently while the OS updates, acting as a mediator between the application and the updating OS kernel.
2Reliability
If applications shut down during operating system updates, then the operating system can be updated without interference, but application responsiveness is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate running and updating instances, allowing the application to continue operating in the runninginstance while the OS updates in the updatinginstance. This segmentation maintains application responsiveness while ensuring stable OS updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different OS instances. Applications can dynamically attach to or detach from the running OS instance while updates proceed in the background. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between update stability and application responsiveness as needed.
3Reliability
If applications are re-launched after operating system reboot, then the updated operating system can be used, but the time interval for unavailability varies and cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by preparing multiple OS instances in advance and pre-positioning applications to detach before the actual update begins. This allows the application to remain available during the update process rather than experiencing unavoidable downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining application execution in the runninginstance while the updatinginstance performs updates. Applications continue processing requests without interruption, eliminating the traditional restart gap and ensuring continuous service availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Prior to an update of an operating system of a computing device, a configuration operation is performed with respect to a particular processor of the computing device, such that the particular processor is indicated to the operating system as being in an offline state while an application runs at the particular processor. The operating system is then updated. The update comprises a time interval in which the operating system is unavailable and the application performs one or more computations at the particular processor. After the update, the application is restarted.