Virtual Machine Cloning via Memory Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud computing systems face challenges in efficiently cloning virtual machines across different physical host machines, requiring lengthy provisioning and resource initialization processes, which limits flexibility and increases latency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cloud provider network that allows virtual machines to be cloned from a running instance, with the cloning manager ensuring minimal differences between the original and new virtual machines by copying memory and state information, and providing options for resource management such as shared or separate block storage volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If virtual machines are cloned from a runninginstance by copying memory and state information, then the time required for provisioning and configuring additional virtual machines is reduced, but the complexity of the cloning process and resource management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a new virtual machine instance by copying memory and state information from an existing running virtual machine. This allows the new instance to be provisioned quickly without requiring full reconfiguration, directly addressing the time loss problem while managing complexity through automated copy operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the cloning process to handle resource allocation, storage volume attachment, and state migration before the actual cloning operation. This preparation reduces the overall complexity during execution and enables faster provisioning by having all necessary configurations ready in advance.
2Productivity
If block storage volumes are shared between original and cloned virtual machines, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but data consistency and access conflicts may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by allowing the block storage volume to be divided into different access paths or snapshots for the original and cloned virtual machines. This enables both instances to access the same underlying storage resources (improving utilization) while maintaining data consistency through controlled access mechanisms and versioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (such as a storage controller or virtualization manager) that mediates between the original and cloned virtual machines accessing shared block storage volumes. This intermediary coordinates access rights, manages concurrent reads/writes, and ensures data consistency while allowing efficient shared resource utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machine cloning is implemented across different physical host machines, then system scalability is improved, but the complexity of resource allocation and migration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a unified virtualization layer that manages cloning operations across different physical host machines using standardized protocols and interfaces. This multi-functional system can handle various cloning scenarios (same-host, different-host, stateful, stateless) through a single coherent framework, improving scalability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor resource availability, host status, and cloning progress to dynamically adjust resource allocation decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically optimize cloning operations across distributed hosts, managing complexity through real-time information exchange and adaptive resource management.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally described, one or more aspects of the present application relate to an instance cloning service for cloning a running virtual machine instance and configuring the resources of the new virtual machine instance created by cloning the running virtual machine instance. For example, the instance cloning service can create the new virtual machine instance and attach it to a storage volume to which the original virtual machine instance is attached. The instance cloning service may subsequently move the new virtual machine instance to another storage volume (e.g., based on a user request or based on the performance of the instances). Alternatively, upon cloning, the instance cloning service may attach the new virtual machine instance to a new storage volume. For example, the instance cloning service may use copy-on-write to provide the new virtual machine instance with its own storage volume.