Fast-Start Container Images via Preview Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for starting container images on host computers are slow due to the need to download the entire image, which can impact workload performance and are reliant on incomplete training data or less efficient control granularity.
Innovation Solution
Creating a fast-start container image by using a smaller preview image for initial execution, allowing the original image to be downloaded in the background, and enabling fault handling without interrupting the workload, with control at the file or data block level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire original container image is downloaded before execution, then the container can execute the complete workload without faults, but the container startup time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The container image is segmented into a preview image (smaller subset) and the remaining original image components. The preview image contains essential files and data blocks needed for initial workload execution, while the rest of the image is downloaded separately. This segmentation allows the container to start with minimal dependencies, reducing startup time while maintaining the ability to execute the complete workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview image is prepared and downloaded in advance before the container needs to execute the full workload. This preliminary action provides the essential components needed for immediate container startup, eliminating the need to wait for the entire original image to be downloaded. The preview image acts as a pre-prepared foundation that enables fast container initialization.
2Loss of time
If a smaller preview image is used for initial execution, then the container startup time is reduced, but the container may encounter faults during execution
Solution Approach 1:
The preview image serves as an intermediary between the container runtime and the complete original image. It provides the minimal necessary components for initial execution, acting as a bridge that allows the container to start immediately. When faults occur, the system can then download the remaining original image components to resolve the issue without having delayed startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The container image composition is made dynamic rather than static. The container can transition from using only the preview image to incorporating additional components from the original image as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the image composition based on execution requirements, starting minimal and adding components only when necessary.
3Reliability
If the original image is downloaded completely before use, then all workload requirements are met, but the download time and network bandwidth consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The essential components (preview image) are extracted from the complete original image and used separately. This extraction allows the system to download and use only the critical subset of image components needed for initial container execution, rather than downloading the entire original image. The remaining components are downloaded on-demand or in the background, significantly reducing initial download time and network bandwidth consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional container image methods are used, then the container has complete functionality, but the control granularity over image components is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The container image management is segmented into distinct controllable components: the preview image and the original image components. This segmentation enables fine-grained control over which parts of the image are downloaded, stored, and executed. The system can independently manage the preview image for fast startup while separately handling the original image components, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention include creating and starting fast-start container images. A preview image of a container is received at a host computer. The preview image includes a subset of an original image of the container. The preview image of the container is executed, at the host computer, for a workload. Based at least in part on detecting a fault during the executing of the preview image of the container, one of the original image of the container and a portion of the original image not included in the preview image of the container is accessed for continuing execution of the workload.