Dynamic VM Placement for Data Center Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data center systems face inefficiencies in managing virtual machines, particularly in recognizing performance degradation and load imbalances, leading to potential failures and suboptimal resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A computer program that monitors data center operations to dynamically select and relocate virtual machines based on performance metrics and load balancing policies, allowing for proactive failover and efficient resource allocation across hosts and data centers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual machines are statically assigned to hosts, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic virtual machine placement where the system continuously monitors host performance metrics and automatically relocates virtual machines between hosts based on current load conditions. This transforms the static assignment model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing system states, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the virtualization management platform autonomously monitors performance metrics, evaluates placement options, and executes virtual machine relocation decisions without manual intervention. This self-managing capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while dynamically optimizing resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If virtual machines are dynamically relocated across hosts, then resource utilization efficiency and productivity are improved, but system complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized virtualization management platform as an intermediary that handles the complexity of dynamic virtual machine placement. This intermediary component monitors host performance, makes relocation decisions, and executes migrations, thereby isolating the complexity from the overall system and presenting a simplified interface to users while achieving improved resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where performance metrics from hosts are continuously monitored and fed back to the management platform. This feedback loop enables automated decision-making for virtual machine placement and relocation, managing system complexity through structured information flow while maintaining high resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional failover mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but response time increases and productivity deteriorates due to reactive rather than proactive failover

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by proactively monitoring host performance metrics and relocating virtual machines before failures occur. The system detects performance degradation trends and executes preventive migrations to healthy hosts, transforming reactive failover into proactive prevention. This approach maintains reliability while reducing response time by addressing issues before they cause service interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by taking counter-measures against potential failures before they manifest. By monitoring performance degradation and preemptively relocating virtual machines from at-risk hosts, the system neutralizes the threat of failure before it impacts availability, thereby improving both reliability and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data centers are integrated for virtual machine placement, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but system complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal virtualization management platform that operates across multiple data centers, providing unified control and monitoring capabilities. This multi-functional system handles virtual machine placement, migration, and failure management across distributed locations through a single interface, thereby improving placement flexibility while managing complexity through standardization and consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9600307B1Dynamic policy based placement of virtual machines within and across multiple data centers
Publication Date: 2017.03.21 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US9600307B1 patent drawing
  • US9600307B1 patent drawing
  • US9600307B1 patent drawing

AI summary

New and existing virtual machines are dynamically located. Dynamic location can be prompted based on performance degradation, load balancing and other policies. Potential locations include other hosts within a data center and other data centers.