Dynamic Memory Allocation for Virtual Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual machine systems face inefficiencies in memory management, leading to either host OS or guest OS memory starvation due to misconfiguration of physical memory allocation, resulting in suboptimal hardware resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically calculates and adjusts the physical memory allocation for virtual machines by continuously assessing the free memory of the host platform, using formulas and thresholds to ensure that the allocated memory does not exceed the available limit, and adjusts based on user activity patterns to optimize memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical memory is allocated to virtual machines using conventional methods, then virtual machines can run independently with dedicated memory, but host OS or guest OS may experience memory starvation and hardware resources are inefficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation by continuously monitoring host OS memory usage and adjusting the overall limit of physical memory allocated to virtual machines in real-time. The system calculates free physical memory of the host platform and dynamically modifies the memory limit parameter, transitioning from static conventional allocation to adaptive dynamic allocation that responds to changing system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the hypervisor continuously monitors the actual memory usage of the host OS and compares it against the allocated limit. Based on this feedback loop, the system automatically adjusts the overall limit of physical memory for virtual machines, ensuring that the host OS receives sufficient memory while maximizing virtual machine resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed amount of physical memory is assigned to virtual machines, then memory allocation is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to changing memory demands and may result in memory waste or starvation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the hypervisor's memory management module) between the host OS and virtual machines that handles the complexity of dynamic memory allocation. This intermediary automatically calculates memory requirements, adjusts the overall limit parameter, and manages memory distribution without requiring direct complex interactions between the host OS and guest OS memory management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the memory allocation parameter (overall limit of physical memory) dynamically based on host OS memory usage conditions. By adjusting this key parameter in response to changing system states, the patent enables flexible memory allocation that adapts to varying demands while maintaining manageable complexity through automated parameter modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for managing memory allocated to a virtual machine running on a host platform. An exemplary method includes continuously calculating the amount of free physical memory of the host platform by subtracting the amount of physical memory currently used consumed by the host operating system from the total size of the physical memory on the host platform. Moreover, using the calculated amount of free physical memory, the method includes dynamically adjusting an overall limit of the physical memory that can be allocated to the virtual machine running on the host platform, and then allocating to the virtual machine an amount this allocated physical memory so that active pages can be stored in the allocated memory and directly accessed during operation by the virtual machine.