Kernel Self-Healing via Fault Module Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems lack reliable techniques for recovering from operating system (OS) failures at the kernel level without fully rebooting, which can result in significant downtime and data loss, especially in critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing method and apparatus that detect and isolate faulty kernel code modules, allowing for repair without crashing the OS, utilizing a kernel level fault detector and manager to isolate and repair faulty modules while maintaining system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system fully reboots to recover from OS failures, then system reliability is restored, but system downtime increases and productivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The kernel is divided into multiple independent code modules, allowing the system to isolate and repair only the faulty module rather than the entire kernel. This segmentation enables partial system operation to continue while the faulty module is being repaired, reducing downtime while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The faulty kernel code module is extracted and isolated from the running system, allowing it to be repaired without affecting the rest of the OS. The fault manager separates the problematic module from the functional system components, enabling continuous operation of healthy modules during repair.
2Reliability
If the system uses conventional fault-tolerant techniques, then reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-healing capabilities through an automated fault manager that detects, isolates, and repairs kernel module failures without external intervention. The fault manager monitors kernel modules, identifies failures, and executes repair operations autonomously, providing fault tolerance through self-service rather than complex external redundancy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
When a kernel module fails, the fault manager discards the faulty module by isolating it from the running system, then recovers functionality by loading a repaired version of the module. This approach provides fault tolerance by replacing rather than protecting against failures, avoiding the need for complex redundant systems.
3Productivity
If the system isolates and repairs kernel modules in-place, then productivity is maintained, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-compiling repaired versions of kernel modules and preparing repair strategies before faults occur. The fault manager has repair capabilities ready in advance, allowing rapid response when faults are detected, maintaining productivity while managing detection complexity through pre-prepared solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault manager acts as an intermediary between the running kernel modules and the repair process. It mediates by detecting faults in operating modules, isolating them, and coordinating the repair operation without disrupting the overall system operation. This intermediary layer simplifies fault detection by providing a dedicated monitoring interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computing system are provided for self-healing from a fault in an operating system (OS) without crashing the OS. In one example, the method includes detecting, isolating, and repairing a faulty kernel code module without affecting the run-time operation of other, properly function, portions of the OS. In another example, the apparatus comprises a variety of modules, including, for instance, a kernel level fault detector and a kernel level fault manager, that are configured to execute steps of the method. In another example, the computing system includes an OS that has at least some modularized kernel code sections, and a self-healing code for detecting, isolating, and repairing failures occurring in one or more of the modularized kernel code sections without crashing the OS.