Virtual Compute Instance Host Selection for Feature Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual compute instances face performance degradation and failures when resuming operation after hibernation due to the loss of enabled features and inconsistent host support, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A method for identifying and dynamically enabling specified features by storing feature configurations and in-memory states separately, allowing for quick resumption on compatible hosts that support the enabled features, thereby preserving performance benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If virtual compute instances are resumed after hibernation on available host systems, then operational continuity is improved, but performance degradation occurs due to loss of enabled features and inconsistent host support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidperformance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing the in-memory state and feature configurations separately before hibernation occurs. When resuming, the system proactively identifies compatible hosts that support the required features before actually resuming the virtual compute instance, ensuring performance consistency is maintained from the outset rather than discovering issues after resumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary compatibility checking mechanism that mediates between the hibernation resumption process and the host system selection. This intermediary layer verifies feature support and identifies compatible hosts, acting as a buffer that prevents direct performance degradation during the resumption transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If virtual compute instances resume operation after hibernation, then quick recovery is achieved, but feature consistency is lost due to separate storage of in-memory states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery timeVSAvoidfeature configuration consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the storage of virtual compute instance data by storing the in-memory state and feature configurations in separate locations. This segmentation allows the feature configurations to be independently verified against host capabilities during resumption, enabling quick recovery while maintaining feature consistency through separate validation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the stored feature configurations are checked against the actual capabilities of available host systems during resumption. This feedback loop identifies compatible hosts that can support the required features, ensuring that feature consistency is maintained while achieving quick recovery through automated compatibility verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If hosts are selected based on availability for hibernation resumption, then resource utilization is improved, but performance equivalence to pre-hibernation state cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidperformance equivalence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by evaluating specific feature support characteristics of individual host systems rather than treating all available hosts uniformly. During resumption, the system identifies hosts that locally possess the specific features required by the virtual compute instance, ensuring performance equivalence is maintained while still utilizing available resources effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the selection parameters for host identification from simple availability metrics to include feature compatibility parameters. By modifying the selection criteria to consider both resource availability and feature support, the system achieves both improved resource utilization and guaranteed performance equivalence to the pre-hibernation state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11853783B1Identifying hosts for dynamically enabling specified features when resuming operation of a virtual compute instance

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Host systems for resuming operation of a virtual compute instance may be identified that support features enabled for the virtual compute instance. Virtual compute instance features may be enabled at runtime prior to a virtual compute instance being stopped. When a virtual compute instance is started again, these features may be used to identify a host system that supports at least these features so that when the virtual compute instance resumes operation on the identified host, the features can be enabled.