BitNBD: BitTorrent-Based Network Block Device for Provisioning Virtual Machines in IaaS Clouds

Abstract

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) cloud computing is emerging as a viable alternative to the acquisition and management of physical resources. The new main feature of IaaS cloud computing is the virtual machine (VM) technology which improves the flexibility of resource management. VMs use virtual machine images that are preconfigured and ready to run. Typically, VM image management uses local file copy and distribution via a network file system (NFS). This potentially means that a more efficient method can be used for VM image distribution. For efficient VM image management, we have designed and implemented a BitTorrent-based network block device (namely, BitNBD) for provisioning VM images in IaaS clouds. The BitNBD mainly provides a ‘split read/write mechanism’ to deal with concurrent VM instances where the same pieces of a VM are shared. With respect to the legacy BitTorrent protocol, the BitNBD enhances the piece picker policy and energy-saving mode. It is very effective in minimizing VM startup delays and providing a hibernating capability.