GPU Pass-Through VM Migration Using Video Memory Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual machines using NVIDIA GPU pass-through mode cannot perform live migration between host machines, limiting operations such as load balancing, active operation, and maintenance on public clouds.
Innovation Solution
A virtual machine migration method and system that involves a migration module detecting a migration instruction, obtaining video memory data from a first processor, and migrating it to a second processor, enabling live migration by storing and restoring the data using a save/restore unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual machine migration is implemented using traditional methods, then service continuity can be maintained, but network packet loss occurs and service interruption time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing forwarding rules in the destination virtual switch before the virtual machine actually migrates. The source virtual switch is configured to forward packets to the destination virtual switch's MAC address in advance, so that during the migration process, network packets can be seamlessly redirected without causing loss or extending interruption time.
2Reliability
If virtual machine migration is implemented using traditional methods, then service continuity can be maintained, but network packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the destination virtual switch as an intermediary element. By pre-configuring its MAC address in the source virtual switch's forwarding table, it creates a seamless path for network packets during migration. The intermediary mechanism ensures packets are forwarded to the correct destination without loss, maintaining network continuity throughout the migration process.
3Device complexity
If forwarding rules are not pre-configured, then system complexity is reduced, but network packet loss occurs during migration
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically generating and configuring forwarding rules in the source virtual switch based on the destination virtual machine's MAC address. This automated process eliminates manual configuration complexity while ensuring network packets are correctly forwarded during migration, preventing packet loss without requiring complex manual setup.
Data Source
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AI summary
A migration method and a migration system of a virtual machine are disclosed in the present invention. The method includes: a virtual machine detecting whether a migration instruction is received, wherein the virtual machine runs on a first processor of a first host machine; the virtual machine calling and obtaining video memory data generated in the first processor if the migration instruction is detected; and the virtual machine migrating the video memory data to a second processor of a second host machine. The invention solves the technical problem that a virtual machine using a NVIDIA GPU pass-through mode fails to perform a live migration between host machines in the existing technologies.