Virtual Machine Disk Image Resizing Without Data Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require provisioning a new virtual machine disk image and migrating data when the disk size represented by a virtual machine disk image is insufficient, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A virtualization system engine coordinates with components to resize the virtual machine disk image without provisioning a new image or migrating data, allowing for on-the-fly resizing of disk sizes in both running and non-running states, supporting various file formats like qcow and raw files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a new virtual machine disk image is generated to increase disk size, then the disk capacity is improved, but the operational complexity and resource consumption increase due to provisioning and data migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the existing virtual machine disk image in-place rather than creating a new image. The engine modifies the disk image file directly, adjusting its size parameter to accommodate the new disk capacity requirements, thereby avoiding the complexity of provisioning new images and migrating data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the disk image processing functionality from the complex provisioning and migration workflow. By implementing an engine that directly manipulates the disk image file, the system separates the disk resizing operation from the traditional multi-step process of creating new images and copying data, simplifying the overall operation.
2Volume of moving object
If a new virtual machine disk image is generated to increase disk size, then the disk capacity is improved, but the time consumption increases due to the two-step provisioning and migration process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by directly modifying the disk image file structure before any data operations are needed. The engine adjusts the disk image size parameter upfront, eliminating the need for subsequent data migration steps that would consume additional time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the traditional two-step process of provisioning new images and migrating data. By implementing direct in-place resizing of the disk image, the system rushes through the expansion operation in a single step, significantly reducing the time required compared to the conventional approach.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional methods are used to increase disk size, then the disk capacity is improved, but the resource utilization efficiency decreases due to creating and maintaining multiple disk images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disk expansion operation with the existing disk image structure. Instead of creating a separate new disk image and maintaining both old and new images during transition, the system combines the expansion operation into the existing image, reducing the number of disk image files that need to be managed and improving resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine in a virtualization system may determine that a disk size of a disk represented by a virtual machine disk image is to be changed. In response, the engine determines whether a host is using the virtual machine disk image to run a virtual machine and also determines a file format of the virtual machine disk image. Based on the determination, the engine sends a request to change the disk size to a requested size to the host running the virtual machine or to a storage pool manager.