Proxy Server for Seamless Virtual Machine Console Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During virtual machine live migration, remote console access is disrupted as the hypervisor console does not migrate with the VM, requiring users to re-establish connections, which can be inconvenient and may result in interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A proxy server is used to establish and maintain remote console access, seamlessly switching connections from the old VM instantiation to the new one without interrupting the user's session, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hypervisor console is used for remote access, then console access is provided through the hypervisor, but console connection is interrupted during VM migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component between the client and the VM console. The proxy server maintains persistent connections and handles the switching between different VM instantiations during migration, ensuring that the client connection remains uninterrupted while the underlying VM moves between hosts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the console access functionality into separate components: the client application, the proxy server, and the VM console service. This segmentation allows the proxy server to independently manage connection persistence and migration switching without affecting the client or the VM console service directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VM live migration is performed, then VM can be moved to new hardware, but console access must be re-established
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server pre-establishes connections to potential target VM instantiations before migration completes and prepares the switching mechanism in advance. When migration occurs, the proxy server can rapidly switch connections without requiring the client to re-establish the connection, significantly reducing reconnection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy server acts as a mediator that abstracts the migration process from the client. While the VM migrates to new hardware, the proxy server maintains the client connection and handles the transition to the new VM instantiation transparently, eliminating the need for client-side reconnection.
3Reliability
If proxy server is introduced for seamless migration, then connection continuity is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server is designed to perform multiple functions: maintaining persistent connections, managing VM migration switching, and providing a unified interface for clients. This multi-functionality consolidates several responsibilities into a single component, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and mitigating the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of computers in network communication where: (i) an end user's computer accesses an instantiation of a virtual machine using remote console software; (ii) the access to the VM is performed through a proxy server; and (iii) by using the proxy server, when the VM instantiation is moved from one physical host computer to another physical host computer, there is no substantial interruption in the access of the VM by the end user through the remote console software.