Virtual Machine Scoped Data via Hypervisor VRAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual machine snapshots do not include information about the hypervisor state due to lack of authorization and potential connectivity failures, hindering troubleshooting and debugging processes.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a virtual remote access service (VRAS) device between the virtual machine and the hypervisor during boot time, allowing the VM to request and receive scoped data relevant to its operation, including configuration, statistical, and state data, without needing direct access to the hypervisor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional virtual machine snapshots are taken without hypervisor access, then the snapshot process is simple and fast, but the snapshot does not include hypervisor state information needed for troubleshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Remote Access Service (RAS) device as an intermediary component that bridges the VM and hypervisor. This RAS device includes a RAS driver in the VM and a RAS service in the hypervisor, enabling the VM to request and receive scoped hypervisor data (configuration, statistical, and state information) without requiring direct VM-to-hypervisor access or full system snapshots. The intermediary selectively transmits only relevant hypervisor information needed for troubleshooting.
2Loss of information
If direct access to hypervisor is granted for troubleshooting, then complete hypervisor data is available, but system security and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different levels of access and data visibility to different components. The RAS service in the hypervisor selectively scopes and filters data based on the specific VM's needs, transmitting only configuration, statistical, and state data relevant to that particular VM. This ensures each VM receives appropriate information for its troubleshooting needs without exposing unnecessary hypervisor information to other VMs or external entities, maintaining system integrity while enabling effective debugging.
3Ease of repair
If comprehensive snapshots including hypervisor data are taken, then troubleshooting capability is enhanced, but overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific hypervisor data elements needed for VM troubleshooting rather than capturing complete hypervisor state. The RAS service identifies and transmits only configuration data, statistical data, and state data that are directly relevant to the specific VM's operation and potential issues. This extraction approach provides sufficient troubleshooting information while minimizing data transmission overhead, storage requirements, and system complexity compared to comprehensive snapshots.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes establishing, during boot time of a virtual machine, a virtual remote access service (VRAS) device between the virtual machine and a hypervisor booting the virtual machine. A request for scoped data relevant to the virtual machine is received at the hypervisor from the virtual machine, by way of the VRAS device. The scoped data relevant to the virtual machine is collected by the hypervisor. The scoped data relevant to the virtual machine is transmitted across the VRAS device from the hypervisor to the virtual machine.