Network-less VM OS Provisioning via Hypervisor ISO Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operating system (OS) and software deployment on virtual machines (VMs) is a lengthy, expensive process prone to errors, and existing provisioning methods like Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) require networking, which is not scalable in virtual datacenter and cloud environments with isolated networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a monitor process running on a hypervisor mounts ISO or floppy images on a virtual machine, allowing a deployment tool to install OS and software without network dependencies, using a full-duplex communication channel for requests and acknowledgments between the VM and hypervisor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If PXE infrastructure is used for OS deployment, then automated provisioning is achieved, but networking services and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the networking dependency from the OS provisioning process by using local storage devices (USB, CD/DVD, floppy) to store and execute deployment tools, eliminating the need for PXE networking infrastructure while maintaining automated provisioning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deployment tool as an intermediary component that runs locally on the VM from mounted images, mediating between the hypervisor and the OS installation process, thereby removing the need for complex network-based PXE infrastructure
2Device complexity
If manual OS deployment is performed, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring deployment tools and OS images on local storage media before VM provisioning, allowing automated installation to occur without manual intervention during the deployment process, thus reducing both time and errors
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment tool enables self-service provisioning by automatically mounting images, configuring OS parameters, and completing installation without administrator involvement, eliminating manual labor while maintaining simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If PXE boot infrastructure is deployed across multiple networks, then coverage is improved, but management complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal provisioning method that works across all networks and isolated sub-networks by using local storage devices that do not require network connectivity, eliminating the need for multiple PXE infrastructures while maintaining broad adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extracts the network dependency entirely from the provisioning process, allowing the same local-image-based deployment method to function universally across any network topology or isolated environment without requiring network services
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for network-less provisioning of guest operating system and software. In one embodiment, a monitor process mounts a floppy image or ISO storing a deployment tool on a virtual CD/DVD device or virtual floppy device, respectively, of a VM and powers on the VM. The deployment tool is invoked upon powering on of the VM and requests that the monitor mount an OS ISO image on the virtual CD/DVD device. In response, the monitor mounts the OS ISO and transmits an acknowledgment to the deployment tool, which initiates OS installation from the OS ISO image. After the OS installation, the deployment tool transmits a further request that monitor clean-up resources consumed during the OS installation and reboots the VM, after which a similar process may be undertaken to install software for the VM.