VM Image Management via Logical Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual desktop services face performance degradation and resource inefficiency due to the high demand for reading OS in VM images during boot storms and the large size of VM disk images, which require significant network and storage resources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing VM images that share common blocks between images and only manage updated parts for each user, building a logical VM image from the user VM disk image and loading the base VM image onto main memory for fast access, while storing user-specific updates on disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple users boot virtual desktops simultaneously, then user access demand increases, but system performance degrades due to high read demand on VM images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VM image into a common base image stored in main memory and user-specific update blocks stored on disk. This segmentation allows multiple users to access the common base image simultaneously without contending for disk read operations, thereby maintaining system performance while increasing user access capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces main memory as an intermediary between the disk-based base image and user VM instances. By loading the common base image into main memory, the system creates a fast access path that mediates between disk storage and user requests, reducing the impact of simultaneous access demands on overall system performance.
2Reliability
If VM disk images are stored as large files, then complete VM functionality is maintained, but network and storage resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the common base image into a single copy stored in main memory, which is then shared by multiple user VM instances. This merging eliminates redundant copies of the common OS and application blocks, significantly reducing the total storage and network resources required while maintaining complete VM functionality through the combination of the shared base image and user-specific updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base image that serves multiple functions: it provides the common OS and application blocks for all user VMs, enables efficient resource sharing, and supports simultaneous user access. This multi-functional base image replaces the need for separate complete VM images for each user, reducing overall resource consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complete VM images are copied for each user, then user-specific customization is maintained, but resource management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments VM images into a common base image and user-specific update blocks. This segmentation simplifies resource management by allowing the system to track only the small user-specific differences rather than managing complete VM images, while still maintaining user customization through the combination of the shared base and unique updates.
Data Source
AI summary
The virtual machine (VM) image management method of providing high-performance virtual desktop services includes receiving a request for a VM execution from a client corresponding to a user, building a logical VM image from the user VM disk image in response to the request, and providing a VM driven on the basis of the logical VM image to the client.