Virtual Machine Mirroring for Non-Volatile Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual architectures, Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) is unavailable, leading to adverse effects on high-speed and stable data storage, with conventional solutions like disk-based and flash-based NVRAM either reducing system performance due to low running speed and finite lifespan or requiring specific hardware.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that writes data into the memory of a primary virtual machine and a mirror virtual machine, allowing data recovery from the mirror virtual machine in case of data loss, leveraging virtual machines and high-speed networking to achieve NVRAM functionality without physical NVRAM devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disk-based NVRAM solution is used, then data non-volatility is achieved, but running speed is low and latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mirror copy of the primary virtual machine's data in a secondary virtual machine. This copy serves as a backup that can be quickly restored from, providing non-volatility without requiring slow disk-based storage. The mirror virtual machine maintains an identical copy of the data in memory, enabling fast recovery while avoiding disk I/O bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hypervisor as an intermediary layer between the virtual machines and the physical storage system. The hypervisor manages the mirror virtual machine and coordinates data synchronization, enabling fast in-memory backup without requiring the primary virtual machine to directly interact with slow disk-based storage systems.
2Speed
If flash-based NVRAM solution is used, then running speed is improved, but erasable times are finite and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual machine mirroring to create redundant copies of data in memory, eliminating the need for flash-based NVRAM with limited write cycles. The mirror virtual machine provides unlimited backup capacity using standard RAM, which has no endurance limitations, thereby extending system lifespan while maintaining high-speed access.
3Reliability
If physical NVRAM devices are used, then non-volatile random access is achieved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standard virtual machine memory serve the dual function of active data storage and non-volatile backup storage through mirroring. This eliminates the need for dedicated NVRAM hardware, as the same RAM resources provide both fast access and persistent storage capabilities, significantly reducing implementation costs while maintaining non-volatile random access functionality.
4Speed
If data is stored only in primary virtual machine memory, then access speed is fast, but data stability is low during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a mirror virtual machine as a pre-prepared backup before any data loss can occur. This proactive mirroring creates a safety cushion that protects against power outages and hardware failures, allowing rapid recovery from the mirrored copy without data loss while maintaining fast access speeds during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, computer program product and a system for enabling non-volatile random access to data where in response to receiving data from a client, causing the data to be written into a memory of a primary virtual machine and a memory of a mirror virtual machine; and in response to the primary virtual machine losing the data, recovering the data based on data in the memory of the mirror virtual machine.