VM Communication Channel Switching for Live Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shared memory communication channels in virtualized environments do not support live migration of virtual machines, as they are limited to communication within the same physical machine, while TCP/IP channels ensure data integrity but are not compatible with live migration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for switching a shared memory communication channel to a TCP/IP channel during application execution, enabling live migration by managing channel states and using a state control unit to intercept and redirect communication flows, allowing seamless transition between shared memory and TCP/IP channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If shared memory communication channel is used between virtual machines, then communication performance is significantly improved, but live migration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel switching that allows the communication channel to transition between shared memory mode (for high performance when VMs are on the same physical machine) and TCP/IP mode (for live migration when VMs move to different physical machines). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed in its communication approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication infrastructure that supports both shared memory communication and TCP/IP communication through a unified channel management mechanism. The virtual machine can utilize either communication channel based on its operational needs, making the system multi-functional and capable of supporting both high-performance local communication and live migration scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TCP/IP communication channel is used between virtual machines, then live migration is supported, but communication performance is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate communication channel based on the operational context. When virtual machines reside on the same physical machine, the system automatically uses the high-performance shared memory channel. When live migration is required or VMs are on different physical machines, it transitions to TCP/IP channel, thus optimizing performance for each scenario rather than being constrained by a single channel type.
3Speed
If shared memory communication channel is used, then communication speed is improved, but channel switching capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic channel switching mechanism that allows seamless transition between shared memory communication channel and TCP/IP communication channel. The system monitors the operational context and automatically switches channels to maintain both high speed communication and adaptability to different deployment scenarios including live migration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for switching a communication channel in a shared memory communication environment which sets up a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) communication channel and a shared memory communication channel from a first virtual machine to a second virtual machine, the method includes: transmitting a channel switching message to the first virtual machine when the first virtual machine moves to another physical machine; transmitting the channel switching message from the first virtual machine to the second virtual machine; and switching a channel state between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine.