Virtual Machine Cache Migration with Flash Memory Copy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cache memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing data migration and storage during virtual machine migration, particularly in maintaining performance and data integrity when transitioning between operating environments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves downgrading the cache system's operation mode by copying content from one memory device to another, detaching the original memory device, and then reattaching it after migration, using flash memory devices to ensure data consistency and reduce latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the cache system maintains high-performance operation mode during virtual machine migration, then data access speed is improved, but data consistency and migration reliability deteriorate due to ongoing write operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cache system is downgraded to a lower performance mode before the actual data copying begins. This preliminary action prevents new write operations from occurring during migration, ensuring that the data being copied remains consistent and unchanged throughout the migration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cache system is temporarily extracted from its high-performance operational state and placed in a restricted mode. This separation allows the migration process to occur independently without interference from concurrent write operations, guaranteeing data consistency during the copy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the cache system is downgraded during migration, then data consistency is improved, but system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoiddata access speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The cache system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the migration state. It transitions from high-performance mode to a restricted mode during migration, then returns to high-performance mode after migration completes. This dynamic adaptation ensures data consistency during migration while maintaining optimal performance during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cache system periodically changes its operational characteristics: operating in high-performance mode during normal operation, switching to restricted mode during migration, and returning to high-performance mode after migration. This periodic adjustment of system behavior resolves the contradiction between performance and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the memory device is detached during migration, then migration flexibility is improved, but data access time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemigration flexibilityVSAvoiddata access time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of permanently moving the memory device, the system creates a copy of the cache data during migration. The original memory device can be detached and reattached, and the copied data ensures that no data access time is lost during the detachment and reattachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The cache data is copied beforehand to a destination memory device before the original device is detached. This preparatory copying cushions against potential data access delays, ensuring that data availability is maintained even during the detachment and reattachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Speed

If the cache system operates in high-performance mode during migration, then data access speed is maintained, but migration complexity increases due to concurrent operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidmigration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cache system is extracted from its high-performance operational state during migration, removing the complexity of managing concurrent read and write operations. This simplification allows for a straightforward copy operation without the need to handle complex synchronization and consistency protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cache system is downgraded to a restricted mode before migration begins, performing the preliminary action of disabling write operations. This simplifies the migration process by eliminating the need to manage concurrent modifications, reducing migration complexity while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8930947B1System and method for live migration of a virtual machine with dedicated cache

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving an indication that a virtual machine is going to be migrated from a first operating environment to a second operating environment. The mode of operation of a cache system associated with the virtual machine is downgraded. Content included within a memory device currently associated with the cache system is copied to a memory device to be associated with the cache system. The memory device currently associated with the cache system is detached from the virtual machine. The virtual machine is migrated from the first operating environment to the second operating environment.