Virtual Machine OS Backup on Sequential Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sequential access media types, such as tape, are not suitable for storing virtual machine operating system data due to their inability to handle random access requirements during the boot process, leading to latency issues and failure to boot the system.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that track and order data access sequences during the boot process, allowing the data to be stored on sequential access media in a way that mimics random access, enabling efficient access and booting of virtual machines from tape storage by creating a record file and using it to generate sequential boot data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If operating system data is stored on sequential access media for backup, then storage cost and energy efficiency are improved, but boot process latency increases and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-sequencing the operating system data blocks according to the expected boot access pattern before storage. During the boot process, the hypervisor reads blocks in sequential order from the backup media, eliminating the latency associated with random access while maintaining boot reliability. The data is pre-organized so that the first block contains the boot loader, followed by subsequent blocks in the order they will be accessed during boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system data is segmented into multiple blocks that are stored separately on the sequential access media. Each block represents a portion of the operating system data that will be accessed during boot. This segmentation allows the system to load and execute the boot loader from the first block while the remaining blocks are still being read sequentially, improving boot performance while using cost-effective tape storage.
2Quantity of substance
If operating system data is stored on sequential access media, then storage cost is reduced, but access speed during boot process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-sequences the data blocks during backup based on the anticipated access pattern during boot. This preliminary organization ensures that when the system boots, data blocks are read from the sequential access media in the correct order without requiring random seeking operations, thereby maintaining fast access speed while utilizing cost-effective sequential storage media.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts by allowing the hypervisor to read data blocks at varying speeds during the boot process. The sequential access media can supply data at its native sequential rate, and the hypervisor can process blocks as they arrive, potentially in parallel with the reading process, thus compensating for the inherently slower sequential access speed.
3Speed
If operating system data is provided from random access storage unit, then boot process speed is improved, but storage cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing the operating system data blocks in sequential order during the backup process. This pre-sequencing allows the data to be stored on energy-efficient sequential access media while still enabling fast boot performance, as the blocks are read in sequential order without requiring the high energy consumption associated with random access operations on spinning disks or solid state drives.
Data Source
AI summary
Backing up virtual machine operating system data on sequential-access data storage systems is provided. A virtual machine boots into an operating system using operating system data that is provided to the virtual machine from a random access storage unit. The random access storage unit stores the operating system data as a first plurality of blocks. The operating system data is recorded in a sequential order as it is provided to the virtual machine. The operative system data is recorded in a record file. Sequential boot data is recorded on a sequential backup system based, at least in part, on the record file. The sequential boot data is a copy of the operating system data that represent the operating system as a second plurality of blocks based, at least in part, on the sequential order of the operating system data provided to the virtual machine.