Virtual Machine Host-Group Mapping via Distributed Resource Scheduler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual mapping of host computers into host-groups in virtual machine clusters is inefficient and slow, relying heavily on administrative expertise, making it difficult to adapt to fluctuating resource demands.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically determines if a virtual machine entity needs additional resources and maps an available host computer to the associated host-group, and reverses this mapping when resources are no longer needed, using a distributed resource scheduler to manage host computers and maintain desired configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual mapping of host computers to host-groups is used, then administrative control and precision are improved, but efficiency and responsiveness to demand fluctuations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping precisionVSAvoidmapping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the distributed resource scheduler to automatically perform host computer mapping to host-groups based on resource demand, eliminating the need for manual administrative intervention. The scheduler monitors resource requirements and autonomously maps host computers to appropriate host-groups, achieving both precision through automated decision logic and efficiency through elimination of manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual mapping process with an automated software-based system. The distributed resource scheduler uses algorithmic logic to determine optimal host computer mappings, substituting human administrative actions with automated computational processes that can rapidly respond to changing resource demands while maintaining precise control over host-group assignments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual mapping by administrators is used, then expertise-based control is improved, but speed and adaptability to demand fluctuations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol qualityVSAvoidmapping speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the distributed resource scheduler continuously monitors resource demand and host computer performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the scheduler dynamically adjusts host computer mappings to host-groups, ensuring high-quality control through data-driven decisions while achieving rapid adaptation to demand fluctuations. The feedback loop enables the system to respond automatically to changing conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by enabling the host computer mapping system to adapt in real-time to changing resource demands. Instead of static manual mappings, the distributed resource scheduler dynamically reconfigures host-group assignments based on current system conditions, allowing the system to flexibly respond to demand fluctuations while maintaining operational control through automated policy enforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If static host-group creation is used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to resource demand changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost-group stabilityVSAvoidresource allocation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability by making host-group mappings dynamic rather than static. The distributed resource scheduler maintains stable host-group definitions but dynamically assigns host computers to these groups based on real-time resource demand. This approach preserves the structural stability of host-groups while enabling flexible adaptation to changing conditions through automated reassignment of host computers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining host-groups with their target resource characteristics and capacity thresholds. These pre-configured host-groups serve as stable templates that guide dynamic mapping decisions. When resource demand changes, the scheduler refers to these pre-established group definitions to determine appropriate mappings, combining the stability of predefined structures with the adaptability of dynamic assignment based on actual resource needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9690608B2Method and system for managing hosts that run virtual machines within a cluster

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 VMWARE INC

AI summary

Embodiments of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a computer system are disclosed. In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions for managing host computers that run virtual machines into host-groups within a cluster is disclosed. When executed, the instructions cause one or more processors to perform steps including determining if a virtual machine entity needs additional resources and, if the virtual machine entity needs additional resources, mapping a host computer to a host-group with which the virtual machine entity is associated.