Dynamic Resource Allocation for Virtual Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central computing systems face inefficiencies and security risks due to the need for individual user configurations and the resulting downtime when user needs change, as well as the administrative burden and cost of managing individual licenses for personal computers in a business setting.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically allocating computing resources, including processing, memory, and storage, across virtual machines in a shared system, where initial allocations are monitored for changes in demand, and resources are reallocated from underutilized machines to those approaching capacity thresholds to meet current demands without disrupting other users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central computing system is used to improve security and reduce administrative burden, then security and ease of operation are improved, but downtime increases when user needs change or security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the computing environment into multiple virtual machines, each isolated from others. When security is compromised or reconfiguration is needed in one virtual machine, only that specific virtual machine needs to be restarted, not the entire central computing system. This segmentation allows other virtual machines to continue operating without interruption, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates computing resources among virtual machines based on current demands. When a user's needs change, resources can be reallocated without taking the entire system offline. The virtualization layer enables dynamic creation, modification, and termination of virtual machines, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining continuous service for other users.
2Ease of operation
If personal computers are provided to each employee to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but cost and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central computing system provides universal access to multiple virtual machines, each functioning as a complete computing environment. Users can access their assigned virtual machine through any terminal or device with a web browser, eliminating the need for physical personal computers. This multi-functionality allows a single centralized system to serve multiple users with individualized computing environments, reducing both hardware costs and administrative overhead while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If computing resources are statically allocated to virtual machines to simplify management, then ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic resource allocation where computing resources (CPU, memory, storage) are not permanently assigned to specific virtual machines but are instead allocated based on real-time demands. The virtualization manager continuously monitors resource usage and dynamically redistributes resources among virtual machines. This dynamic approach simplifies management by automating resource distribution while maximizing utilization efficiency, as resources are always allocated to where they are most needed rather than remaining idle in underutilized virtual machines.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dynamically allocating computing resources to virtual computing machines in a shared system. An initial allocation is made for each computing resource. Current demand for each computing resource for each of the virtual computing machines is determined to identify changes in current demand. The system identifies a virtual computing machine for which usage of a first computing resource is approaching a first predetermined threshold allotted to the first virtual computing machine. The system identifies a second virtual computing machine in the system for which usage of the first computing resource is less than a second predetermined threshold of the first computing resource allotted to the second virtual computing machine. The server dynamically allocates at least part of the first computing resource from the second virtual computing machine to the first virtual computing machine to meet current demand for the first computing resource in the first virtual computing machine.