Storage Path Manager Kernel Integration for Virtual Machine Multipath Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtualized computer systems face challenges in efficiently managing data routing over multiple paths between virtual machines and multipath data storage systems, leading to potential bottlenecks and resource allocation issues, particularly in server environments that require high data availability and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a Storage Path Manager (SPM) within the kernel of a virtual computer system, which utilizes VM-specific information and multipath routing information to make informed decisions about data routing, failover, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient data transfer and resource management across multiple paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple data paths are provided between virtual machines and storage systems, then data availability and redundancy are improved, but path selection complexity and resource allocation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Storage Path Manager (SPM) as an intermediary component that sits between the virtual machine and the storage system. The SPM automatically monitors multiple data paths, detects failures, and performs failover operations without requiring the virtual machine or host system to implement complex path selection logic. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining high availability through multiple paths while eliminating the complexity of manual path management.
Solution Approach 2:
The Storage Path Manager implements self-service capabilities by automatically detecting path failures, selecting alternative paths, and managing resource allocation without external intervention. The system continuously monitors path health and dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on current system state, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding the need for complex external path selection mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual path selection is used in multipath storage systems, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but data routing efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where the Storage Path Manager continuously monitors system conditions and automatically adjusts data routing decisions in real-time. The system adapts to changing load conditions, path availability, and resource utilization, thereby improving data routing efficiency without requiring manual configuration or intervention. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by providing intelligent, adaptive path selection that optimizes performance while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If virtual machines are isolated from each other, then security and stability are improved, but resource sharing and multipath management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by creating isolated virtual storage environments for each virtual machine while maintaining a shared underlying storage infrastructure. The Storage Path Manager manages paths at the host level, allowing multiple VMs to share physical storage resources efficiently while each VM maintains its own virtual storage namespace and path management context. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by enabling resource sharing and improved allocation efficiency while preserving the isolation and stability benefits for individual VMs.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual computer system, including one or more virtual machines (VMs), is connected to a redundant data storage system having multiple paths for routing data between the computer system and the data storage system. The VMs are supported by a kernel, which includes a resource manager for allocating system resources among the VMs, including data storage space and data storage bandwidth. A storage path manager (SPM) is integrated into the kernel for routing data between the computer system and the data storage system, including providing functions such as failovers and failbacks, as well as load distribution. Integrating the SPM into the kernel improves the kernel's ability to manage the VMs and to provide SAN resources to the VMs. For example, the SPM may enhance the isolation between multiple VMs by routing their respective data over different data paths. Also, the SPM may improve the allocation of system resources by coordinating with the resource manager.