Dynamic vNVDIMM Expansion via Segmented Address Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems face challenges in dynamically expanding virtual non-volatile dual in-line memory modules (vNVDIMMs) within virtual machines without data loss or complex hot add processes, particularly when increasing storage size, as existing firmware interfaces often restrict seamless storage expansion.
Innovation Solution
The system allocates additional storage from one or more physical memory mediums to create a new vNVDIMM, allowing for seamless storage expansion by mapping continuous address spaces across different memory media, enabling dynamic storage adjustments without replicating data, and utilizing GPIO for communication with the virtual machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional storage is allocated from separate physical memory mediums, then storage capacity is increased, but address space continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the address space into multiple segments, each mapping to a different physical memory medium. The first address space portion maps to the first physical memory medium while the second address space portion maps to the second physical memory medium, allowing continuous logical addressing across fragmented physical storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping layer that translates continuous virtual addresses to fragmented physical addresses. This intermediary mechanism abstracts the discontinuity of separate physical memory mediums, presenting a unified continuous address space to the virtual machine without requiring data replication.
2Quantity of substance
If firmware interfaces are used for memory expansion, then storage size can be increased, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory expansion where the virtual machine can request additional storage capacity at runtime. The system dynamically allocates new physical memory mediums, creates corresponding virtual memory modules, and integrates them into the existing address space without requiring complex firmware intervention or system shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the storage system by allowing runtime modification of memory capacity. Instead of fixed firmware-defined memory sizes, the system enables dynamic parameter adjustment where storage capacity, address space mappings, and physical medium assignments can be modified during operation through simplified interfaces.
3Quantity of substance
If existing firmware interfaces are used, then memory expansion is possible, but data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a new virtual memory module and establishing its address space mappings before actually transferring or accessing data. The system pre-configures the additional storage capacity, validates the address space continuity, and ensures proper integration before the virtual machine begins using the expanded storage, thereby preventing data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the integrity of address space mappings and data consistency during expansion operations. The virtual machine receives confirmation that the new storage capacity is properly integrated and accessible before data operations commence, providing real-time verification that prevents data loss scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, method, and/or processes may store first data associated with a virtual non-volatile dual in-line memory module (vNVDIMM) of a virtual machine (VM) via a portion of storage of a first physical memory medium of a physical information handling system (IHS); may receive a request for a size increase of the vNVDIMM; may allocate, based at least on the size increase, another portion of storage from the first physical memory medium or from a second physical memory medium of the physical IHS; may create another vNVDIMM configured to accommodate the size increase and configured to store data via the portion of storage and the other portion of storage; and may provide information associated with the other vNVDIMM to the VM.