Hypervisor Boot Order Control for Virtual Machine BIOS
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual machine systems, system administrators lack control over the boot order when multiple devices of the same type are present, leading to potential booting from unintended devices.
Innovation Solution
A user-controllable boot order system where a hypervisor receives a boot order list from a management component, which specifies the order of device names for the BIOS to search for boot software, allowing users to customize the boot process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the BIOS uses a default boot order to boot guests, then the boot process is simple and automatic, but the system administrator cannot control the boot order when multiple devices of the same type are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management component as an intermediary between the BIOS and the boot devices. This management component receives the boot order list from the system administrator and passes it to the BIOS, enabling controlled boot device selection while maintaining BIOS simplicity. The management component acts as the mediator that resolves the contradiction between automatic boot operation and reliable device selection.
2Reliability
If the BIOS checks each individual device of the same device type to find boot software, then all devices are searched systematically, but the system administrator lacks control over the search order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic boot order list that can be configured and modified by the system administrator. Instead of a fixed BIOS search order, the boot order list becomes adaptable and configurable, allowing administrators to specify the search order based on their requirements. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between complete device search and configurable search order.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices of the same type are present in the virtual machine system, then device versatility is improved, but control over boot device selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the boot device selection process by creating a structured boot order list that individually identifies and orders specific devices. Instead of treating all devices of the same type as a homogeneous group, the system segments them into a controlled sequence. This segmentation allows multiple devices of the same type to coexist while maintaining administrator control over which device is selected for booting.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing a user-controllable boot order via a hypervisor in a virtual machine system. A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) receives a boot order list associated with a guest from the hypervisor. The boot order list is an ordered list that specifies an order of device names, according to which the BIOS searches for boot software when booting up the guest. In the boot order list, devices of the same device type are identified by different device names. Upon receipt of a command to boot up the guest, the BIOS searches for the boot software following the order of the device names specified by the boot order list. The BIOS then boots up the guest using the boot software located in one of the devices.