Inter-Cloud VM Migration via Temporary L2 Tunnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inter-cloud virtual machine (VM) workload migration are costly, performance-intensive, and not suitable for a global infrastructure where workloads can be started and moved anywhere, as they often require re-architecting applications or setting up permanent network tunnels.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for inter-cloud live migration of virtualization systems that involves constructing a layer-2 tunnel between source and target clouds, configuring a new network interface with a new IP address for the VM, and handling requests simultaneously via both the old and new IP addresses, allowing seamless migration without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If permanent network tunnels are set up between clouds for VM migration, then VM workload migration is enabled, but network performance degrades and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the network tunnel temporary rather than permanent. The tunnel is dynamically created when migration is needed and automatically torn down after migration completes, allowing the system to adapt its network configuration based on actual migration requirements rather than maintaining constant connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing the network tunnel only for the specific duration needed to complete the VM migration task. The tunnel exists temporarily during the migration process and is then removed, rather than maintaining continuous presence. This periodic activation reduces overall network resource consumption and costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If applications are re-architected to support inter-cloud migration, then migration capability is achieved, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a temporary network tunnel as a mediator that enables VM migration without requiring application re-architecture. The tunnel acts as an intermediate communication path that allows VMs to move between clouds while maintaining existing application architectures, thus avoiding the high costs of re-engineering applications.
3Device complexity
If VM migration is implemented with location dependence, then network infrastructure is simplified, but VM flexibility and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically creating the network tunnel only when and where needed for migration. This dynamic approach allows VMs to move between different cloud locations without requiring permanent infrastructure changes at each location, maintaining infrastructure simplicity while enabling VM flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for inter-cloud live migration of virtualization systems is disclosed. A method of the invention includes receiving notification that live migration of a virtual machine (VM) has completed, wherein the VM is migrated from a source host computing machine on a source cloud to a target host computing machine on a target cloud, receiving requests sent to a previous IP address of the VM associated with the source cloud, the requests routed over a layer-2 (L2) network tunnel established between the source cloud and the target cloud, configuring a new network interface with a new Internet Protocol (IP) address for the VM to receive requests directly via a communication connection of the target cloud, and simultaneously handling the requests at both of the previous IP address received via the L2 network tunnel and the new IP address via the communication connection of the target cloud.