Abstract Configuration Module for Dynamic System Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system configurations are statically and redundantly dependent on specific hardware and software components, making it difficult to dynamically adjust to changes in system resources, leading to downtime and inefficiencies in managing configurations across multiple physical machines.
Innovation Solution
An abstract configuration model that uses parameterized and computed settings to abstract system-dependent information, allowing for dynamic configuration of clusters and instances, with a bootstrap for file system synchronization to manage changes without requiring manual updates or restarts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If system dependent information is statically distributed across each node, then each node can be individually configured, but the system cannot adapt dynamically to changes in hardware or software resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized configuration manager as an intermediary component that stores system dependent information in a single location and provides it to nodes on demand. This mediator eliminates the need for nodes to maintain their own static configuration copies, enabling dynamic adaptation while simplifying configuration management through a single point of truth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static configuration distribution to dynamic configuration access. Nodes no longer have hard-coded configuration values but instead retrieve them dynamically from the centralized configuration manager, allowing the system to adapt to hardware or software changes without manual node reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If system dependent information is manually updated at each node, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but downtime occurs when changes need to be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing a centralized configuration manager that stores system dependent information before nodes need it. When changes are required, the configuration manager is updated in advance and nodes automatically retrieve the new configuration, eliminating the need for manual node updates and associated downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes perform self-service by automatically retrieving updated configuration information from the centralized configuration manager without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains configuration accuracy while eliminating downtime, as nodes autonomously adapt to changes without requiring system shutdown or manual reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If configuration information is stored in a single property, then storage is simplified, but child configurations cannot inherit or propagate parent changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing configuration information into a hierarchical structure with parent and child properties. The centralized configuration manager stores configuration data in organized segments that can be inherited by child configurations, enabling both simplified storage through a single property structure and the capability for configuration propagation through inheritance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle through a hierarchical configuration structure where child configurations nest within parent configurations. This nesting allows child configurations to inherit from and override parent properties as needed, providing both storage simplicity at the top level and adaptability through the inheritance hierarchy.
4Ease of manufacture
If nodes are manually configured with system dependent information, then initial setup is straightforward, but subsequent changes require manual updates and knowledge of node paths and syntax
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized configuration manager serves as an intermediary that simplifies configuration changes. Instead of requiring operators to manually update each node and understand node paths and syntax, changes are made once at the configuration manager, which automatically provides updated information to nodes, making operation easier while maintaining initial setup simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for configuration using abstract configuration information is described. In an embodiment, an abstract configuration module acts like an informational proxy between components of a system. The configuration module provides a level of abstraction that allows for some properties to be abstracted instead of being hard coded into each node of the system.