Virtual Machine Migration via Temporary Network for SR-IOV Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Migrating virtual machines between SR-IOV capable and non-SR-IOV capable hypervisors complicates virtualized environment management, leading to potential connectivity loss or shutdowns, as existing solutions lack efficient methods for seamless migration across different virtual function capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A virtualization manager facilitates the migration of virtual machines by identifying and utilizing SR-IOV virtual functions on destination hypervisors, creating temporary networks, and managing virtual function availability to ensure seamless connectivity and resource allocation, allowing migration between hypervisors with varying virtual function capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual machines are migrated between SR-IOV capable and non-SR-IOV capable hypervisors using existing solutions, then migration can be performed, but connectivity is lost or shutdowns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary network as an intermediary mechanism during VM migration. This temporary network bridges the gap between source and destination hypervisors, allowing seamless connectivity during the transition. The temporary network acts as a mediator that maintains communication channels while the VM is being migrated between hypervisors with different SR-IOV capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by allocating virtual functions and creating temporary networks before the actual VM migration occurs. This advance preparation ensures that the destination hypervisor is ready to receive the VM with proper network connectivity, preventing connectivity loss during migration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional virtual machine migration methods are used, then migration between hypervisors is possible, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the virtualization manager automatically detects SR-IOV capabilities of destination hypervisors, selects appropriate virtual functions, and configures temporary networks without manual intervention. This automation reduces management complexity while maintaining high adaptability for migration across different hypervisor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes system parameters during migration, such as adjusting virtual function allocation states and temporary network configurations based on the specific migration scenario. This parameter adaptation allows the system to handle diverse migration cases with a unified management approach.
3Productivity
If virtual machines are migrated to SR-IOV capable hypervisors without proper management, then migration occurs, but CPU utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous network connectivity through the temporary network during VM migration, eliminating interruptions that would otherwise require repeated connection establishment and teardown. This continuity reduces the computational overhead associated with network reconfiguration and lowers CPU utilization during the migration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualization manager receives a request to migrate a virtual machine from a source hypervisor to a destination hypervisor supporting virtual function capability. Responsive to determining that an availability status indicates that a virtual function is available for use on the destination hypervisor by the virtual machine, the virtualization manager migrates the virtual machine from the source hypervisor to the destination hypervisor. Responsive to determining that the virtual machine has been migrated to the destination hypervisor successfully, the virtualization manager connects the identified virtual function to the virtual machine.