Container Image Layer Distribution Without Pull-Push Conflicts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image distribution methods in virtualization technology are inefficient and prone to conflicts due to the need for pulling and pushing whole image files, which occupy network bandwidth and cause file conflicts.

Innovation Solution

An image distribution method that identifies and distributes each layer data of an image file from a source to a target repository based on its storage location, avoiding local pulling and pushing, and includes verification steps to ensure accuracy and avoid conflicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a whole image file is pulled to the local to finish the image distribution, then the image distribution can be completed, but the network bandwidth is occupied and the distribution efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage distribution efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image file into multiple layers and distributes only the necessary layer data instead of the entire image file. The image repository stores images in layers with different links, enabling selective distribution of specific layer data to reduce network bandwidth consumption while maintaining distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary layer data from the source image repository and distributes it to the target image repository, rather than transferring the complete image file. This extraction approach eliminates redundant data transmission and reduces network bandwidth usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the image file is stored locally for a certain period of time, then the image can be distributed, but image file conflicts are prone to occur when multiple distribution tasks correspond to a same image file

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution stabilityVSAvoidfile conflict management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image into multiple layers, allowing independent management and distribution of each layer. This segmentation eliminates file conflicts by enabling parallel distribution of different layers without requiring exclusive locks on the entire image file

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates and distributes copies of specific layer data rather than managing the original image file. Each target image repository receives copies of the necessary layers, eliminating conflicts related to simultaneous access to the same file

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4174645B1Mirror image distribution method, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ZTE CORP
  • EP4174645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4174645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4174645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a distribution method, a server, and a storage medium. The distribution method includes: obtaining a distribution request of an image file; identifying a first storage location of each layer data of the image file in a source image repository; and distributing each layer data of the image file from the source image repository to the target image repository according to the first storage location. When the image distribution is required, the storage location of each layer data of the image file is identified and then the image distribution is performed. Therefore, the image file does not need to be pulled locally and then pushed to the target image repository.