FSTAB Generation Using UUID Dummy Disk Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multicloud environments, the file system table (FSTAB) generated for Virtual Machines (VMs) fails to mount devices or partitions correctly across different cloud platforms like AWS and Azure due to varying device and partition naming conventions, requiring manual scripting that is cumbersome and cloud-specific.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate a VM installation file with a predefined file system table (FSTAB) using universally unique identifiers (UUIDs) for dummy VM disks, which are replaced with real disk files to create a second installation file that maintains identical file system configurations across different cloud environments, ensuring seamless deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud-specific scripts are written to generate FSTAB for each cloud platform, then device mounting correctness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal FSTAB generation mechanism that works across multiple cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, on-premise) by using cloud-agnostic device identification. Instead of writing separate scripts for each cloud provider, a single FSTAB generation process is designed that automatically adapts to different cloud environments through the use of device fingerprints and automated mapping, eliminating the need for cloud-specific scripting while maintaining mounting correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the storage device and the FSTAB configuration. This intermediary mechanism uses device fingerprints (unique identifiers) to bridge the gap between cloud-specific device naming conventions and the universal FSTAB requirements. The fingerprint acts as a mediator that allows the system to identify and configure devices correctly across different cloud platforms without requiring cloud-specific knowledge in the FSTAB generation process.
2Measurement precision
If cloud-specific naming conventions are used for device identification, then device identification accuracy is improved, but adaptability across different cloud platforms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the device identification mechanism that is independent of cloud-specific naming conventions. Instead of relying on cloud-provided device names (which vary by platform), the system generates its own internal device fingerprints that accurately represent the storage device. This fingerprint copy serves as a universal identifier that maintains the precision needed for device identification while being adaptable to any cloud platform's naming convention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the device identification parameter from cloud-specific names (sd0, nvme0n1, etc.) to a universal fingerprint parameter. By changing the identification parameter from platform-dependent device names to platform-independent fingerprints, the system maintains accurate device identification while gaining adaptability across all cloud platforms. The fingerprint parameter captures essential device characteristics without being tied to any specific cloud provider's naming scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for generating a virtual machine (VM) installation file to deploy a VM in different cloud environments is disclosed. A file system table (FSTAB) representing a file system of the VM to be deployed is generated. The FSTAB includes one or more predetermined universally unique identifiers (UUIDs) identifying one or more dummy VM disks. Then, a first VM installation file based on the FSTAB and one or more dummy VM disk files corresponding to the dummy VM disks is generated. Next, one or more real VM disk files representing one or more real VM disks to be deployed in the cloud environments are created. Thereafter, the dummy disk files in the first VM installation file are replaced with the corresponding real VM disk files to generate a second VM installation file. The second VM installation is used to deploy VM in different cloud environments.


