Multi-Level Network Administration in OS Partitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems have limited control over network traffic flow and resource allocation among processes, making it difficult to manage network messages and resources effectively across different applications and partitions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-level network administration mechanism in operating system partitions, where global and partition administrators can set message processing rules and resource limits to control network message routing and resource allocation at multiple levels, allowing for better isolation and management of network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current systems allocate resources to entities, then resource allocation is achieved, but the level of control over network traffic and resources remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operating system into multiple partitions (global zone and non-global zones), each with its own administrator and resource allocation policies. This segmentation enables multi-level control where global administrators manage system-wide resources while partition administrators control resources within their specific partitions, thereby increasing adaptability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to resource management by implementing multiple levels of administration (global and partition levels). This dimensional approach allows control policies to be applied at different hierarchical levels, enabling fine-grained control over network traffic and resources while maintaining system organization
2Reliability
If processes are isolated in partitions, then security and management are improved, but network resource sharing and control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into isolated partitions with distinct administrative domains. Each partition maintains process isolation for security while implementing hierarchical administration where global administrators oversee system-wide policies and partition administrators manage local resources, balancing isolation requirements with manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary hierarchical administration structure that mediates between isolated partitions. Global administrators act as intermediaries to coordinate resource allocation across partitions, while partition administrators manage local resources, thereby maintaining isolation while enabling controlled resource sharing through the intermediary administrative layer
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism for implementing multi-level network administration in operating system partitions. With this mechanism, it is possible to control how network messages are routed and how network resources are used at multiple levels of an operating system environment. In one embodiment, a global administrator can control (or at least affect) routing at the partition level by setting the partition message processing rules. Similarly, a partition administrator can control (or at least affect) routing at the process group level by setting the process group message processing rules. Further, the global administrator can control the amount of a network resource that can be allocated to a non-global partition as a whole, and the partition administrator can control how that amount of the particular network resource can be allocated to the various projects within that non-global partition.