Dynamic Virtual Storage Resizing via Feedback Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing environments lack an efficient mechanism for dynamically adjusting virtual storage resources in real-time based on usage needs without interrupting ongoing processes, leading to potential storage bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A 'just in time' feedback-driven strategy is implemented where a storage monitoring agent on a guest virtual machine alerts the host when storage utilization thresholds are reached, allowing for dynamic resizing of virtual storage devices while processes are executing, using a private communication channel and key-value pairs for notification, ensuring seamless adaptation to changing storage demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual storage devices are resized using traditional methods, then storage capacity can be adjusted, but guest virtual machine processes must be shut down interrupting execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage resizing by enabling the virtual storage device capacity to be adjusted while the guest virtual machine remains running. The host system modifies the virtual storage device parameters and communicates the new capacity to the guest OS through a paravirtualized interface, allowing the guest processes to continue executing without interruption while adapting to the new storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a paravirtualized storage interface as an intermediary between the host system and the guest virtual machine. This intermediary layer enables communication of storage capacity changes from the host to the guest OS without requiring direct access or shutdown of guest processes, thus maintaining process continuity while enabling storage adaptation.
2Productivity
If storage monitoring is implemented continuously, then storage utilization can be optimized, but system overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-driven storage monitoring mechanism where the guest OS agent periodically reports storage utilization metrics to the host system. The host system uses this feedback information to determine when storage capacity adjustments are needed, enabling optimization of storage utilization through informed decision-making rather than continuous monitoring, thus reducing system overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic storage monitoring where the guest OS agent checks storage utilization at intervals and reports to the host system only when thresholds are reached or at scheduled periods. This periodic action reduces continuous monitoring overhead while still enabling timely detection of storage needs and optimization opportunities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A "just in time" feedback-driven strategy for provisioning storage in a cloud computing environment is described. An agent running in a guest virtual machine can monitor the storage needs of the guest virtual machine. When a specified threshold for the guest virtual machine is reached, the host can be notified of the changing storage needs. The host can respond by re-sizing the storage device and notifying the guest virtual machine of the changed storage capacity.