VM Upgrade Cancellation via Network Identity Swap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current migration-based virtual machine upgrades require disruptive shutdowns and orchestration for cancellation, leading to performance risks and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A network swap workflow that allows source and target machines to swap identities without user intervention, enabling seamless cancellation by reverting to original identities upon cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If migration-based upgrade is used to transfer VM identity and data, then upgrade capability is achieved, but system disruption and performance risks increase due to required shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network identity swap mechanism as an intermediary approach. Instead of directly migrating the VM identity which requires shutdown, the system swaps network identities between source and target machines. This allows the target machine to assume the source's network identity and become the new VM, while the source machine can be restarted without disruption to the VM service itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cancellation method is used (shutting down target VM to free networking identity), then upgrade cancellation is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a revert mechanism before cancellation is needed. The source machine retains the capability to revert to its original network identity, and the system maintains awareness of the pre-swap state. When cancellation is required, the source machine simply reverts its network identity back to the original, and the target machine releases the borrowed identity, without requiring shutdown or complex orchestration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cancellation method is used with orchestration by attentive party, then upgrade cancellation is achieved, but operational complexity and human intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the cancellation process automatic and self-managing. The source machine autonomously handles the revert operation by swapping its network identity back to the original state. The system architecture automatically manages the coordination between source and target machines, eliminating the need for human operators to orchestrate the cancellation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-disruptive cancellation of a migration-based virtual machine (VM) upgrade uses a network swap workflow and may be performed without user involvement (e.g., without providing login credentials). A source machine and a target machine swap machine identities such that, for example, the target machine takes on the internet protocol (IP) address of the source machine and the source machine takes on the original IP address of the target machine. Upon a cancellation of the upgrade, the source machine and the target machine revert to their original machine identities, for example, by swapping machine identities again. In this manner, the target machine assumes the role of the source machine for the user if the upgrade is not canceled, and the source machine rapidly resumes its role for the user if there is a cancellation. Advantageously, fewer computing resources are required for this cancellation.