Virtual Machine Host Identification via Messaging Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual machines lack the ability to determine information about the host machine they are running on, which hinders execution authorization, virus detection, update tracking, and virtual machine tracking within an enterprise network.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a messaging channel between virtual machines and host machines allows for the exchange of identifiers, enabling the host machine to determine virtual machine information and facilitating tracking through network packet-based communication, with methods including broadcast and unicast messages, and the use of virtualization monitors and network bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a virtual machine runs on a host machine without establishing a messaging channel, then the virtual machine can execute independently, but the virtual machine cannot determine information about the host machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a messaging channel as an intermediary communication path between the virtual machine and host machine. This channel includes a host machine determination module in the virtual machine that sends messages to a host machine determination module in the host machine, enabling information exchange without direct integration. The intermediary structure allows the virtual machine to obtain host machine information while maintaining system independence.
2Reliability
If the host machine determines virtual machine identifiers and exchanges host identifiers, then virtual machine tracking is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the host machine determines virtual machine identifiers (such as MAC addresses) and exchanges host identifiers with the virtual machine through the messaging channel. The host machine determination module receives information about the virtual machine and sends back host machine information, creating a feedback loop that enables tracking and lineage determination while managing complexity through structured information exchange.
3Reliability
If virtual machines can identify their host machines, then execution authorization and virus detection are improved, but the communication infrastructure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the messaging channel and host machine determination capability before virtual machine execution. The host machine determination module is configured in advance to send and receive messages through the network packet-based communication path. This preliminary setup enables execution authorization and virus detection to occur naturally during normal operation without adding complexity during runtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide information by which a host machine on which a virtual machine is running can be determined via a messaging channel between the virtual machines running on the host machine and the host machine. The virtual machine can then determine whether or not it should be executing. In order for the virtual machine to determine whether it can execute, it will need to know information about the host machine on which it will be running. Similarly, a virtual machine can determine whether it has been exposed to any viruses or whether a particular update has been run by knowing the host machines on which it has been run.