Hypervisor Runtime Resource Allocation for Flexible Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face challenges in managing flexible adapter configurations, particularly in efficiently allocating resources to adapters with varying resource requirements, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in supporting high-resource-use adapters.
Innovation Solution
The system assigns an initial minimal amount of resources to empty expansion bus slots and dynamically allocates additional resources at runtime based on adapter requests, using a hypervisor to determine availability and assign resources without restarting or suspending the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed amount of resources is assigned to expansion bus slots at system initialization, then system stability is maintained, but the system cannot support adapters with varying resource requirements efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by allowing the hypervisor to modify resource assignments to expansion bus slots at runtime based on adapter requirements. The system transitions from static initialization-time resource assignment to dynamic runtime adjustment, enabling flexible support for adapters with varying resource demands while maintaining system stability through controlled hypervisor-mediated changes.
2Reliability
If additional resources are allocated to support high-resource-use adapters, then adapter functionality is improved, but resource efficiency for other adapters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation from fixed to variable at runtime. The hypervisor monitors adapter performance and resource usage, dynamically adjusting the amount of resources assigned to each expansion bus slot based on actual needs. This allows the system to optimize resource distribution continuously, ensuring high-resource-use adapters receive necessary resources while minimizing waste for adapters with lower requirements.
3Speed
If resources are pre-allocated to all expansion bus slots, then system readiness is improved, but resource availability for dynamic adapter requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning initial minimal resources to expansion bus slots at system initialization, ensuring basic readiness. Then, it enables subsequent dynamic resource allocation through the hypervisor based on actual adapter requirements. This two-phase approach maintains system readiness while preserving resource availability flexibility for dynamic needs.
4Measurement precision
If the system restarts or suspends to reconfigure adapter resources, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but system productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous resource allocation adjustment without system interruption. The hypervisor manages resource reassignment to expansion bus slots while the system remains operational, maintaining continuous useful action. This eliminates the need for restarts or suspensions, achieving both accurate resource allocation and sustained productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing flexible adapter configurations in a computer system including assigning an initial amount of resources to a set of empty expansion bus slots of the computer system; detecting an adapter has been attached to one of the set of empty expansion bus slots; receiving, by a hypervisor, a request for additional resources for use by the detected adapter, wherein the additional resources are in addition to the initial amount of resources assigned to the expansion bus slot occupied by the detected adapter; determining, by the hypervisor, an availability of the additional resources for the detected adapter; in response to determining that the additional resources are available for the detected adapter, assigning, by the hypervisor at runtime, the requested additional resources to the detected adapter.