Jail-Based Patch Installation for Single Reboot Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for upgrading computing nodes in a cluster require multiple reboots, significantly increasing the time and complexity of the upgrade process, especially in large systems, due to the need for separate installations of new operating systems and patches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'jail' environment that allows for the installation of patches and new operating systems within a single reboot by using a backup firmware image partition to simulate the new system environment, enabling patch installation before the system reboots and simplifying the process by using a chroot jail or similar mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate installations of new operating systems and patches are performed, then complete system update is achieved, but multiple reboots are required significantly increasing upgrade time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing patches on a backup firmware image partition before the actual system reboot. The backup partition is prepared in advance with all necessary patch files and configuration, so when the system needs to reboot, the patches are already in place and can be applied automatically during the boot process without requiring a second reboot after OS installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into at least two partitions: a current boot partition and a backup firmware image partition. This segmentation allows independent operation of each partition - the backup partition can be updated with patches while the current partition remains operational, enabling seamless switching during upgrade without requiring multiple reboots of the entire system.
2Reliability
If separate installations of new operating systems and patches are performed, then complete system update is achieved, but upgrade process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies complexity by performing all patch installation operations in advance on the backup partition before the upgrade process begins. This preliminary preparation consolidates multiple complex operations (OS installation, patch installation, configuration updates) into a single preparatory phase, reducing the complexity of the actual upgrade execution phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup firmware image partition acts as an intermediary mechanism between the current operational system and the target updated state. Instead of directly modifying the running system (which requires multiple reboots), the backup partition serves as a temporary workspace where all changes are staged first, then transferred to the active system in a single coordinated reboot operation.
3Reliability
If multiple reboots are performed for OS and patch installation, then all updates are applied, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces downtime by performing all patch installation operations during the backup partition creation phase, which occurs before the actual system reboot. This preliminary action ensures that when the system reboots, all patches are already installed and configured on the backup partition, eliminating the need for additional reboots that would extend downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the OS installation process and patch installation process into a single coordinated operation. By combining these previously separate operations into one unified upgrade sequence that utilizes the backup partition mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of reboots required and thereby minimizes overall system downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for installing patches using a jail. In an example, a computing node boots from a first partition and then mounts a second partition. The computing node can install an upgrade image for an operating system on the second partition. The computing node can then create a jail that sets the mount point of the second partition as the apparent root directory, and install one or more patches within the jail. The computing node can then reboot from the patched and upgraded operating system of the second partition. In this manner, the node can be upgraded with an operating system and one or more patches, while being rebooted once.