Virtual Machine Controller Replica for Hitless Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network maintenance technologies face challenges in achieving high availability and hitless upgrades for virtual machine-based controllers, leading to system downtime and lengthy maintenance periods.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that replicates and synchronizes a first controller virtual machine with a replica virtual machine, allowing the replica to operate without suspending the first controller, enabling in-service software upgrades and zero-downtime failovers through inter-process communication and dynamic library management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual machine-based controller is used, then system flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but achieving high availability and preventing downtime becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a replica virtual machine that copies the state and configuration of the primary controller VM. This copy can take over functionality if the primary VM fails, enabling high availability without requiring the primary VM to be physically replicated in real-time. The replica maintains synchronization with the primary through state copying mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring replica VMs with the same software stack and configuration templates before actual failover events occur. This preparation allows rapid deployment of backup controllers when needed, reducing downtime while maintaining the flexibility of virtual machine-based systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional software upgrades are implemented, then new features and security patches can be applied, but system downtime is required and user notification is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a parallel replica VM with the upgraded software version before performing the actual upgrade on the production system. This allows testing and validation of the upgrade in isolation, then enables seamless switchover to the new version without disrupting ongoing operations, eliminating scheduled downtime requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the controller VM with the new software version installed. This copied version can be validated independently and then activated to replace the original, enabling hitless upgrades where users experience no interruption during the software update process.
3Ease of manufacture
If controller suspension is used for upgrades, then software patches can be installed, but operational continuity is broken and maintenance duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create a parallel replica VM that mirrors the primary controller's state and configuration. This copy can be upgraded independently while the primary continues operating, eliminating the need to suspend or shut down the running controller for maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the primary controller VM running and operational during the upgrade process. The replica handles upgrade activities while the primary continues to serve client requests, ensuring uninterrupted service and eliminating operational downtime during software patch installation.
Data Source
AI summary
High availability for a network may be achieved, for example, during a hitless upgrade by creating a replica controller virtual machine of an operating controller virtual machine (source controller). The replica controller virtual machine may be on a same or different server as the source controller virtual machine. The replica controller virtual machine may be copied with processes present in the source controller virtual machine and synchronized for runtime state. Upgrades or changes to software applications run in the source controller virtual machine may be provided to the replica controller virtual machine. Once enabled, the replica controller virtual machine may be operated without suspension of the source controller virtual machine.