Network Booting Desktop Image Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desktop re-imaging solutions on enterprise networks are time-consuming, requiring users to wait for extended periods before they can productively use their devices, as they necessitate the entire desktop image to be copied or streamed onto the device before it can be used, leading to significant downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a computing device to boot directly from a network disk containing a saved desktop image, with critical and frequently used files being downloaded in the background, enabling immediate use while the entire image is transferred, and utilizing a synthetic disk to appear as a raw disk for booting, even if the image is stored in a non-raw format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire desktop image is copied to the target machine before the user can use the machine, then the desktop image replacement is complete and reliable, but the process takes several hours leading to significant user downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and preparing critical files and a minimal operating system image before the user needs to use the device. This allows the boot process to start immediately with essential functionality, while the complete desktop image continues to be transferred and installed in the background, thus reducing user downtime while ensuring eventual image completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The desktop image replacement process is segmented into multiple phases: (1) downloading a minimal OS and critical files for immediate boot, (2) booting with the minimal environment, and (3) continuing to transfer and install the remaining desktop image files in the background. This segmentation allows the user to start using the device sooner while the complete image is being assembled.
2Loss of time
If streaming technology is used to transfer the entire disk image, then transfer time is reduced, but the user still cannot use the machine offline until the entire image is streamed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by making different parts of the desktop image available at different times. Critical files and the minimal OS are made available immediately for offline use, while non-critical files continue to be streamed in the background. This allows the user to operate offline with essential functionality while the complete image is being transferred.
3Loss of time
If a small version of the operating system is downloaded first to allow immediate use, then user downtime is reduced, but multiple boot phases are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a disk image driver as an intermediary component that enables the machine to boot directly from the streamed desktop image without requiring separate minimal OS and full image boot phases. The driver intercepts read requests during boot and redirects them to the appropriate locations in the streamed image, allowing a single-boot process that progressively becomes fully functional as the image is transferred.
4Ease of operation
If critical files are prioritized for download, then offline capabilities are improved progressively, but the system requires continuous network connectivity during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary downloading of critical files and essential components before the user needs offline access. By prioritizing the transfer of these essential files first, the system enables progressive offline capabilities where the user can eventually disconnect from the network and continue using the device with the already-transferred critical files, thereby reducing network dependency over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for replacing the desktop image on a computing device with a network-based desktop image (e.g., a backup copy of a desktop image) while allowing the user to resume working on the computing device with the new desktop with minimal downtime. The computing device is booted directly from the backed-up desktop image on the network. After boot, the system allows the user to use the computing device with the new desktop image by directing read requests for information that is only available on the network to the desktop image on the network. Write operations are performed on the local disk of the computing device. While the user is using the computing device, the desktop image is streamed in the background and stored on the local disk.