Redundant Host Memory Utilization via RDMA
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer virtualization clusters, redundant hosts with reserved memory resources are underutilized until a trigger event occurs, such as a host failure, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential performance issues due to the lack of immediate utilization of these resources.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves selectively utilizing memory reserved for virtual machines in a redundant host by repurposing it as an active host upon a trigger event, such as a host failure, allowing for the transfer of virtual machines and improving resource utilization through memory management and data storage strategies, including the use of RDMA-enabled network connections and thin disk formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory resources are reserved for virtual machines in a redundant host, then reliability is improved through high availability, but resource utilization deteriorates as memory remains underutilized until a trigger event occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-allocates memory resources in the redundant host and pre-establishes RDMA network connections before failures occur. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a trigger event happens, the redundant host can immediately assume the workload without delay, maintaining high availability while keeping the pre-allocated resources ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) as an intermediary mechanism that enables the redundant host to access and utilize memory resources across the network as if they were local. This allows the redundant host to leverage distant memory resources without requiring physical proximity, improving resource utilization while maintaining failover capability.
2Reliability
If redundant hosts are maintained in standby mode, then reliability is improved through failover capability, but productivity deteriorates due to idle resources awaiting trigger events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the redundant host to serve multiple functions: it maintains standby capability for failover while simultaneously being able to access and utilize memory resources from active hosts through RDMA connections. This multi-functionality allows the redundant host to contribute to overall system productivity even while in standby mode, rather than completely idling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous RDMA connections between the redundant host and active hosts, enabling the redundant host to continuously access and utilize memory resources. This continuous useful action ensures that resources remain productive even when the redundant host is in standby mode, eliminating periods of complete inactivity.
3Speed
If memory resources are allocated to virtual machines on active hosts, then I/O performance is improved through local memory access, but adaptability deteriorates when host failures require resource reallocation
Solution Approach 1:
RDMA serves as an intermediary that allows virtual machines to access memory resources with near-local speeds even when those resources physically reside on remote hosts. This maintains high I/O performance while enabling flexible resource reallocation, as memory can be dynamically assigned across hosts without being physically bound to a single machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions memory allocation from a single-dimension model (local to specific host) to a multi-dimensional model where memory resources exist in a shared pool accessible across multiple hosts via RDMA. This dimensional change enables both high performance through virtualized local access and high adaptability through flexible reallocation across the cluster.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for selectively utilizing memory available in a redundant host system of a cluster are described. In one embodiment, a cluster of host systems, with at least one redundant host system, with each host system having a plurality of virtual machines with associated virtual machine (VM) reservation memory is provided. A portion of a data store is used to store a base file, the base file accessed by all the plurality of virtual machines. A portion of the memory available in the redundant host system is assigned as spare VM reservation memory. A copy of the base file is selectively stored in the spare VM reservation memory for access by all the plurality of virtual machines.