Dynamic Computing Resource Allocation Across Hypervisor Domains

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern computing systems face challenges in managing and allocating logically partitioned resources efficiently, particularly in cloud computing environments where multiple clients require isolated and secure access to computing resources to prevent performance impacts and security breaches like cache poisoning.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves allocating hypervisors and computing resources to domains, allowing for the isolation of resources and dynamic management of computing resources across domains, enabling secure and efficient allocation based on client-specific performance and security requirements, with mechanisms for temporary resource sharing and allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If computing resources are allocated to multiple domains for isolation and security, then security and reliability are improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges computing resources from multiple domains into a shared pool that can be dynamically allocated. The resource management system combines idle resources from domains with surplus capacity and assigns them to domains experiencing resource shortages, thereby improving overall utilization while maintaining domain isolation through virtualization technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the computing resources assigned to each domain are not fixed but can be adjusted in real-time based on current workload demands. The system continuously monitors resource usage across domains and dynamically transfers resources to meet changing requirements, transforming static domain allocations into flexible, adaptive resource management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If computing resources are statically allocated to domains, then security isolation is improved, but adaptability to changing workload demands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity isolationVSAvoidadaptability to workload demands
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static to dynamic resource allocation by implementing automated monitoring and resource transfer mechanisms. The resource management system continuously assesses workload demands across domains and automatically adjusts resource allocation in real-time, allowing domains to scale resources up or down based on actual needs while maintaining security boundaries through virtualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables domains to effectively self-service their resource needs through automated detection and allocation. When a domain experiences resource shortages, the system automatically identifies idle resources from other domains and allocates them without manual intervention. Similarly, when domains have excess capacity, resources are automatically made available to others, creating a self-regulating resource distribution system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If computing resources are shared across domains, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but security risks and performance impacts deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity risks and performance impacts
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resource management system as an intermediary layer between domains that facilitates controlled resource sharing. This intermediary monitors and manages resource transfers, ensuring that security policies are enforced and performance requirements are met. The system acts as a mediator that enables efficient resource utilization while preventing security breaches and performance degradation through automated policy enforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor resource usage, security metrics, and performance indicators across domains. Based on this feedback, the resource management system dynamically adjusts resource allocation to maintain security and performance thresholds while optimizing utilization. The feedback loop enables real-time detection and response to potential security risks or performance issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10666572B2Dynamic management of computing platform resources
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10666572B2 patent drawing
  • US10666572B2 patent drawing
  • US10666572B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide for methods for the management of logically partitioned computing resources of a data processing system configured with a plurality of hypervisors that each manages one or more logical partitions of the computing resources. Each hypervisor and logical partitions managed thereby are allocated to a domain of a plurality of domains. Logical partitions and hypervisors allocated to a first domain are monitored to determine whether additional computing resources are needed for the first domain. Responsive to determining that additional computing resources are needed for the first domain, a second domain having available computing resources is determined. At least a portion of the available computing resources of the second domain are used by the first domain.