KVM Module Online Upgrade via Dual-Active Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing KVM module upgrades require shutting down virtual machines, leading to economic losses and service interruptions in public cloud environments, as there is no method for hot or online upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for online upgrading a kernel-based virtual machine module by reorganizing and compiling a first running module that supports dual-active mode, allowing a machine virtualizer to switch to a second running module compiled from an upgrade version of codes without shutting down services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If KVM module is upgraded using existing technologies, then the module can be updated to newer versions, but virtual machines must be shut down causing service interruptions and economic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compiling multiple versions of the KVM module (first version and second version) before the upgrade process. The first running module is compiled from first version codes and the second running module is compiled from second version codes, both in advance. This allows the system to switch between versions without interruption, resolving the contradiction between service continuity and upgrade capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the version parameter of the KVM module by maintaining multiple version instances (first version and second version) simultaneously. The machine virtualizer can switch between different version parameters without shutting down virtual machines, enabling upgrades while maintaining service continuity.
2Ease of manufacture
If KVM module is shut down for upgrade, then the upgrade can be performed, but service interruptions occur causing economic losses and customer impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the KVM module in a different version. The second running module is compiled from second version codes as a copy/alternative to the first running module. The machine virtualizer switches from the first version to the second version, enabling upgrade without service interruption and eliminating time loss.
3Reliability
If online upgrade of KVM module is implemented, then service continuity is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the KVM module into distinct versioned components (first running module from first version codes, second running module from second version codes). This segmentation allows independent management and switching of versions, maintaining service continuity while organizing complexity into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the compilation and switching system between first and second running modules) that manages the complexity of online upgrades. The machine virtualizer acts as an intermediary that can switch between versioned modules without requiring complex manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between service continuity and management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for online upgrading a kernel-based virtual machine module are disclosed. The method includes reorganizing and compiling a kernel-based virtual machine module to obtain a first running module, the first running module supporting a dual-active mode; and causing a machine virtualizer to use the first running module, obtaining a second running module by compiling according to an upgrade version of codes of the first running module, wherein the second running module is an upgrade version of the first running module, and the machine virtualizer switches to use the second running module.