Virtualized Host ID Key Sharing for License Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual environments, software license authentication becomes problematic due to changing host IDs during virtual machine upgrades, leading to software inoperability and significant administrative burdens, as existing systems rely on consistent MAC addresses and physical device access which are not applicable to virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to share host access keys between virtual machines, allowing a pre-upgraded VM to authorize a post-upgraded VM, and enabling a primary license server to authorize a redundant server using a handshake mechanism to ensure continuous access to resources by copying and verifying host keys and licenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual machine is upgraded, then the system performance and capabilities are improved, but the host ID changes causing license verification to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the host ID into two components: a stable virtual machine identifier (stored in the license file) and a dynamic hardware identifier. This segmentation allows the license verification to rely on the stable component while permitting hardware changes during upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The license file is generated in advance with the virtual machine's identifier before any upgrades occur. This preliminary licensing establishes a persistent authorization that survives subsequent host ID changes, eliminating the need for re-licensing after upgrades.
2Reliability
If MAC address authentication is used, then physical device security is improved, but virtual machine licensing becomes problematic due to hardware changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual machine identifier as an intermediary between the physical hardware and the licensing system. This intermediary decouples the authentication mechanism from physical hardware characteristics, allowing secure licensing in virtualized environments where MAC addresses and hardware configurations may change.
3Measurement precision
If license files are maintained with current host IDs, then authorization accuracy is improved, but administrative burden increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the virtual machine's identifying information and embeds it in the license file during the licensing process. This copied identifier remains static in the license file even when the actual host ID changes, eliminating the need for manual license updates while maintaining verification accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In virtualized environments a method of determining authorization to a resource cannot use a hardware specific identifier, such as a MAC address. As a result upgrading a virtual host may cause licenses associated with that host to be invalid, even though the upgraded virtual host should be authorized. Authentication methods and systems are disclosed such that a key may be shared with a second host along with a license file and, provided at least the second host has a key associated with its system identifier and a key associated with a license file, access to a licensed resource may be authorized.