Physical Machine Synchronization with Virtual Clone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data recovery methods for physical machines require significant time and manual intervention, and often result in downtime and data loss, as they necessitate powering off virtual machines to recover physical machines, disrupting user operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronizing a physical machine with a virtual machine while the virtual machine is operational, allowing for real-time monitoring, replication of modifications, and migration of the virtual machine to the physical machine, enabling continuous data access and recovery with minimal interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data recovery software programs are used to restore a physical machine, then the physical machine can be recovered from failures, but the restoration process requires significant time and manual intervention, causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual machine clone of the physical machine in advance, before any failure occurs. This virtual machine is prepared and maintained as a standby recovery image, so when the physical machine fails, the recovery process simply involves switching to the pre-prepared virtual machine rather than performing time-consuming restoration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual machine that is a clone or copy of the physical machine, including its operating system, applications, and data. This copy can be rapidly activated when the physical machine fails, eliminating the need for manual restoration of the original physical machine
2Reliability
If a virtual machine is used as a clone of the physical machine for recovery purposes, then data can be protected, but the virtual machine must be powered off to recover the physical machine, disrupting user operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the physical machine and its virtual machine clone based on operational needs and failure states. The virtual machine can be activated when the physical machine fails, and the system can switch back when the physical machine is restored, providing flexible and continuous operational capability without requiring the virtual machine to remain powered off
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual machine acts as an intermediary or fallback system that can take over operations when the physical machine is unavailable. This intermediary system maintains data integrity and operational continuity, allowing users to work uninterrupted by switching between the physical and virtual machines as needed
3Reliability
If manual restoration of the physical machine is performed, then the physical machine can be recovered, but users are required to reinstall applications and reconfigure hardware devices, causing additional downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual machine is created as a complete copy of the physical machine, including all applications, configurations, and data. When recovery is needed, users simply switch to the pre-configured virtual machine clone, eliminating the need to manually reinstall applications and reconfigure hardware devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing, using at least one processor, a physical machine with a virtual machine while the virtual machine is operational in memory is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a physical machine that utilizes a physical disk for storing computer data, consolidating a virtual disk with modifications to the physical disk, wherein the modifications to the physical disk are replicated on the virtual disk in response to unavailability of the physical machine, operating a virtual machine that utilizes the virtual disk for storing the computer data and migrating the virtual machine, using the virtual disk, to a computer.