HCI Storage Controller Allocation for Resource Bottleneck Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) environments, existing methods do not effectively allocate computer resources for virtual machines (VMs) and storage controllers to manage data processing and storage efficiently, leading to potential congestion and bottlenecks, especially when creating new VMs or volumes without exceeding resource limits or handling node failures.

Innovation Solution

A resource allocation determination method that calculates the optimal node for allocating new VMs, containers, or volumes by considering the CPU, memory, and storage resources, and if necessary, migrates existing resources to ensure that new allocations do not exceed resource limits, while also ensuring redundancy and efficient data distribution across nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple VMs share the same file system in a SAN storage network environment, then resource utilization is improved, but congestion and bottlenecks occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcongestion and bottlenecks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shared file system access by introducing storage controllers that act as intermediaries between VMs and the SAN storage network. Each storage controller manages a portion of storage I/O operations, dividing the congested shared resource into multiple managed segments that can operate more efficiently in parallel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Storage controllers are introduced as intermediary components between VMs and the SAN storage network. These controllers buffer and manage I/O operations, preventing direct congestion between multiple VMs and the storage network while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If VMs and storage controllers share computer resources on the same node, then resource efficiency is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the management unit continuously monitors computer resource usage states and automatically adjusts VM and storage controller placements. This dynamic approach allows efficient resource sharing while managing complexity through automated adaptation rather than static complex configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The management unit autonomously determines optimal allocation destinations for new VMs and storage controllers based on real-time resource usage states, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of resource allocation by automatically balancing efficiency and resource constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If new VMs or volumes are created in an HCI environment, then system functionality is improved, but resource limits may be exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidresource limit compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before creating new VMs or volumes, the management unit performs preliminary assessment of computer resource usage states to predict whether resource limits will be exceeded. This preliminary action allows the system to plan allocations that maintain functionality while ensuring resource limit compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The management unit continuously monitors computer resource usage states and uses this feedback to make informed decisions about new VM or volume creation. When resource limits are approaching, the system receives feedback and adjusts allocation decisions to prevent exceeding limits while maintaining necessary system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If existing VMs or volumes are migrated to satisfy allocation conditions, then resource balance is improved, but system downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource balanceVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The management unit performs periodic assessments of resource allocation and only triggers migrations when necessary to satisfy allocation conditions. This periodic approach minimizes unnecessary migrations and associated downtime while maintaining resource balance through targeted, condition-based relocation of VMs or volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11663029B2Virtual machine storage controller selection in hyperconverged infrastructure environment and storage system

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 HITACHI VANTARA LTD

AI summary

Provided is a resource allocation determination method for a VM/container, volume, and the like created as a new VM/container or volume without exceeding an upper limit of a computer resource of a node in an HCI environment. In order to determine allocation of at least one of a virtual machine, a container, and a volume in a system of the HCI environment, a use state of a computer resource shared by a virtual machine and a storage controller operating on each node is managed, and an allocation destination node of the new virtual machine, container, or volume is determined based on the use state without exceeding an upper limit of a computer resource of the allocation destination node.