Live Virtual Machine Update via Adapter Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating a virtual machine (VM) virtualizing physical resources, such as server hardware management VMs, require rebooting and result in downtime, which is inefficient and disrupts service availability.
Innovation Solution
A method that instantiates a second VM on the same physical machine, reassigned redundant physical adapters from the source VM to the new VM, updates the rule configuration, and redirects traffic to minimize downtime, allowing for live updates without rebooting the operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional VM update methods are used, then the operating system can be updated with bug fixes and additional functionality, but the VM requires rebooting which causes downtime and service disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a second VM instance with the updated operating system before the first VM is taken offline. This allows the update to be prepared in advance, and the transition to the updated VM can occur with minimal disruption to service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a second VM as a temporary mediator during the update process. The second VM acts as a bridge, allowing traffic to be redirected from the first VM during the transition period, enabling seamless update deployment without complete service interruption.
2Loss of time
If a second VM is instantiated and physical adapters are reassigned, then live updating can be achieved with minimal downtime, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the update process into distinct phases: creating the second VM, reassigning physical adapters, redirecting traffic, and finally transitioning to the updated VM. This segmentation allows each step to be managed independently, reducing overall complexity despite the multiple operations involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing dynamic adapter reassignment and traffic redirection capabilities. The system can dynamically move physical adapters between VMs and redirect network traffic in real-time, allowing the update process to adapt to current system state and minimize disruption.
3Reliability
If redundant physical adapters are used, then adapter failure can be tolerated and service continuity maintained, but the hardware cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically changing the assignment parameters of physical adapters between different VMs. Instead of static hardware configurations, the system changes adapter assignments as a flexible parameter, allowing redundant adapters to be dynamically allocated to maintain service continuity without permanent complex hardware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
For a first virtual machine (VM) executing on a physical machine and virtualizing a set of redundant physical adapters installed in the physical machine, a second VM is instantiated on the physical machine. A first physical adapter is reassigned from the first VM to the second VM, the first physical adapter comprising one of the set of redundant physical adapters, the reassigning performed without rebooting a first operating system executing in the first VM. A second rule configuration of the second VM is updated to match a first rule configuration of the first VM, forming an updated second VM. A hypervisor managing the physical machine is caused to redirect traffic for a first virtual adapter associated with the reassigned first physical adapter to the updated second VM.