Dynamic Virtual Disk Space Adjustment via Regulation Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual computer systems, it is challenging to dynamically adjust the amount of persistent storage allocated to virtual machines without overcommitting physical storage resources, leading to potential write errors and system failures due to insufficient disk space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that allows for the reservation and adjustment of virtual disk space using regulation files, which can increase or decrease the size of virtual disk space without modifying file system internal structures, enabling dynamic allocation and reallocation of physical storage resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are allocated fixed persistent storage at boot-up, then storage resources are pre-reserved, but the storage amount cannot be dynamically adjusted leading to potential overcommitment or insufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage adjustment by allowing virtual machines to change their persistent storage allocation at runtime through the virtualization software. The system transitions from fixed storage allocation to dynamic allocation, enabling storage amounts to be adjusted based on actual needs while maintaining reliability through proper resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage allocation parameter from a fixed value set at boot-up to a dynamically adjustable parameter. The virtualization software manages these parameter changes, allowing storage allocation to be modified based on demand while preventing overcommitment of physical resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines can dynamically adjust storage allocation, then storage flexibility is improved, but physical storage resources may be overcommitted
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualization software implements feedback mechanisms to monitor physical storage usage and dynamically adjust virtual machine allocations accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that physical storage resources are not overcommitted while maintaining flexibility for virtual machines to adjust their storage needs based on actual demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualization software serves multiple functions: it provides dynamic storage allocation, prevents overcommitment, and manages resource sharing. This multi-functional approach enables flexible storage adjustment while maintaining physical storage integrity through centralized management.
3Productivity
If storage allocation is adjusted during execution, then resource utilization is optimized, but file system internal structures may be modified causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualization software acts as an intermediary layer between the virtual machines and the physical storage file system. It manages storage allocation adjustments at the virtual level without requiring modifications to the physical file system internal structures, thereby maintaining stability while enabling optimized resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments storage management into virtual and physical layers. The virtualization software handles virtual storage allocation and adjustment, while the physical file system maintains its own stable internal structures. This segmentation allows storage flexibility at the virtual level without compromising physical file system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The amount of virtual disk space available for use by software executing within a virtual machine (VM) may be dynamically adjusted while the VM is running in a virtual computer system. A method for reservation of disk space from a virtual machine is provided. A request is received at a first VM relating to reserving a portion of a virtual disk used by the first VM. In response, the first VM allocates additional storage in the virtual disk to a guest file stored in the virtual disk, wherein the guest file is not used to store meaningful data and then communicates sectors of the virtual disk corresponding to the additional storage to the virtualization layer. The virtualization layer provides to a second VM access to sectors of the physical storage space that correspond to the sectors of the virtual disk that were allocated as additional storage to the guest file.