Offline Virtualization Management via Platform Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud computing systems face inefficiencies in managing virtualization software on host computers, particularly in conserving resources like power and energy, as many host servers need to remain powered on to manage virtual machines, even when not actively in use.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a platform management system that allows for offline management of virtualization software by using a distributed file system service to access and manage virtualization software files on a storage device, even when the host computer is in a low-power state, enabling client applications to perform operations such as configuring and provisioning virtual machines without the host computer being powered on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If host servers are kept powered on to allow management of virtualization software, then management operations can be performed, but power consumption and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates management functionality from the main host server by introducing a platform management system that can operate independently. The host server is segmented into compute resources that can be powered down, while management functions are handled by the platform management system through low-power states, allowing management operations without full power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A platform management system acts as an intermediary between the powered-down host server and the virtualization software. This intermediary maintains connectivity and enables management operations through a distributed file system service, allowing administrators to configure and manage virtualization software without the host server being fully powered on.
2Use of energy by moving object
If host servers are powered off to conserve resources, then power consumption decreases, but management operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the platform management system in a low-power state with persistent storage capabilities before the host server is fully powered down. This allows management files and configurations to be preserved and accessed later, enabling management operations to resume without full power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed file system service creates and maintains copies of virtualization software files on the platform management system's storage device. These copies allow management operations to be performed on powered-down hosts, as the file system service can serve management files without requiring the original host server to be powered on.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed file system service is implemented on the platform management system, then offline management is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform management system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional management interface when hosts are powered on and as a standalone file system service when hosts are powered down. This universal design allows the same infrastructure to handle both online and offline management scenarios, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed file system service is implemented to be self-sufficient, managing its own file storage, retrieval, and synchronization without requiring continuous connection to the host server. The service autonomously handles file operations and maintains consistency, reducing the complexity burden on the overall system by making the file management component independent and self-managing.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method of managing virtualization software installed on a host computer includes connecting to a platform management system in the host computer while a hardware platform in the host computer is in a low-power state; and accessing files of the virtualization software on a storage device in the platform management system through a distributed file system service executing on a controller of the platform management system.