Virtual Cluster Operating System Virtualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtualization technologies, such as SOLARIS Containers, primarily address single-machine scenarios and do not effectively manage cluster applications, which require dynamic resource allocation, fault isolation, and secure consolidation across multiple machines, leading to underutilization of powerful computer systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual clusters based on SOLARIS zones, where each virtual node is a zone, providing a dedicated environment for applications, enabling secure resource management, fault isolation, and dynamic node reconfiguration within a virtual cluster, while maintaining compatibility with Sun Cluster technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are placed on separate physical machines for security and fault isolation, then application security and reliability are improved, but system resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple virtual clusters are consolidated onto a single physical server, merging previously separate physical systems into one shared infrastructure. This combining approach maintains the logical separation and isolation of applications while physically consolidating resources, thereby improving resource utilization without sacrificing fault isolation or security.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical server is segmented into multiple virtual clusters, each providing isolated environments for different applications. This segmentation creates distinct virtualized spaces that maintain the security and fault isolation benefits of separate physical machines while allowing resource sharing at the physical level.
2Productivity
If virtualization is implemented to consolidate servers, then system resource utilization is improved, but application isolation and security may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the physical server into multiple isolated virtual clusters, where each cluster provides a dedicated environment for specific applications. This segmentation ensures that applications remain isolated from each other through virtualization boundaries while still benefiting from consolidated hardware resources.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtualization layer acts as an intermediary between the physical server and applications, mediating resource access and enforcing isolation policies. This intermediary layer maintains security and isolation boundaries while enabling efficient resource sharing and consolidation.
3Ease of manufacture
If static resource pools are configured in advance, then resource management simplicity is improved, but adaptability to dynamic application needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static resource pool configuration to dynamic resource allocation, where resources can be automatically adjusted based on application needs and system conditions. Virtual clusters can dynamically acquire and release resources without requiring manual reconfiguration, providing both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor resource usage and application performance, automatically adjusting resource allocation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining simple management through automated control.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
Virtual clusters are based upon virtual operating systems. The physical cluster includes a plurality of physical server nodes. Each physical server node includes a plurality of physical resources and a virtualizing subsystem. The virtualizing subsystem is capable of creating separate environments that logically isolate applications from each other. The separate environments are virtual operating systems. A virtual operating system is configured on each physical server node by defining properties of the virtual operating system. A virtual cluster is composed of a plurality of virtual operating systems that are on a plurality of physical server nodes. A cluster application runs on the virtual cluster. The virtual cluster presents the plurality of virtual operating systems that compose the virtual cluster to the cluster application such that the cluster application is isolated from any other virtual operating systems that compose other virtual clusters on the plurality of physical server nodes.