Hyperconverged System Cluster Group Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) systems face limitations in scalability, management complexity, and vendor interoperability, requiring all nodes to run identical software versions and lacking flexible communication and upgrade options, which restricts resource utilization and management flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dynamically scalable HCI system with cluster groups (CGs) allows for non-overlapping and overlapping cluster configurations, enabling secure communication and upgrades, supporting multiple software versions and vendors, and simplifying connectivity management through a Management Virtualization Appliance (MVA) and Hypervisor Management System (HMS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If all nodes run identical software versions to ensure interoperability, then system stability is improved, but scalability and upgrade flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments clusters into cluster groups with different interoperability requirements. Clusters within the same cluster group share software version requirements, while different cluster groups can have different versions. This segmentation allows simultaneous support for multiple software versions while maintaining stability within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different software version policies at different levels of the hierarchy. Each cluster group can have its own minimum supported version requirement, enabling local adaptation and gradual upgrades without requiring uniform versioning across the entire system.
2Productivity
If multiple clusters are managed from a single management system, then management efficiency is improved, but system complexity and security risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The management system is segmented into multiple hierarchy levels: individual clusters, cluster groups, and federated systems. Each level can be managed independently with appropriate isolation, reducing the complexity burden on any single management instance while maintaining overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Cluster groups act as intermediary management layers between individual clusters and the federated system. This intermediary structure simplifies management by providing an intermediate level of control and isolation, reducing the complexity of direct multi-cluster management.
3Reliability
If clusters provide isolation to applications, then application security is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges clusters into cluster groups that share communication protocols and management infrastructure. This merging allows applications in different clusters within the same group to utilize shared resources while maintaining appropriate isolation boundaries, improving resource utilization without compromising security.
Data Source
AI summary
Cluster groups define a relationship between clusters in an HCI system. New cluster groups may be created, and a cluster may be added or removed from an existing cluster group. A method and system are disclosed to support a dynamically scaled hyperconverged system with non-overlapping and overlapping cluster groups. A dynamically scalable hyperconverged system may allow for piece-wise upgrades while supporting inter-operable and non-interoperable components having a secure intercommunication capability. A system is disclosed for scaling a single managed hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) where all components are allowed to run a compatible communication protocol (e.g., interoperable communication protocol) but are not required to operate an interoperable software version. Further, methods are disclosed to a) illustrate consolidation of backups for a cluster of HCI nodes running interoperable and non-interoperable data exchange protocols; and b) dynamically organize groups of clusters to enforce interoperability requirements and simplify network configuration among these clusters.