Agent Module Dynamic Configuration Update via URL Interception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed computer systems face challenges in updating agent configuration data without interrupting server operations, as current methods require server restarts during non-peak hours and involve performance overhead from constant polling.
Innovation Solution
Specifying an arbitrary configuration URL for agents not associated with physical web resources, intercepting modify requests, and updating agent modules with updated configuration data, allowing dynamic updates without server restarts and reducing polling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server is restarted to apply configuration changes, then the configuration data is updated, but server operations are interrupted and users experience downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic configuration updates without requiring server restarts. The agent module can intercept modify requests to the arbitrary configuration URL, update configuration data in memory, and reload only the affected agent instances, allowing the server to remain operational during configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration update process is segmented into independent operations: intercepting the modify request, updating configuration data, and reloading only the specific agent module that needs updating. This segmentation allows updates to occur without shutting down the entire server.
2Reliability
If the server is restarted during non-peak hours, then configuration changes are applied, but user productivity is reduced due to interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The server continues to serve users during configuration updates without interruption. The agent module intercepts modify requests, updates configuration data while the server remains operational, and reloads affected agents without stopping service, ensuring continuous productivity.
3Reliability
If the agent constantly polls the configuration data, then configuration changes are detected, but performance overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of active polling, the system uses a feedback mechanism where the agent module listens for modify requests to the arbitrary configuration URL. When configuration data is modified, the change is automatically detected through the request interception mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous polling.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system serves itself by automatically detecting changes through the request interception mechanism. The agent module doesn't need to actively poll or check for changes; the system automatically notifies and updates agents when configuration data is modified.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the agent uses an arbitrary configuration URL not associated with physical web resources, then configuration updates can be intercepted, but the URL must be properly routed to the agent module
Solution Approach 1:
The agent module serves multiple functions: it processes normal web requests and simultaneously intercepts modify requests to the arbitrary configuration URL. This universal handling allows the same agent to manage both regular operations and configuration updates without requiring separate dedicated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating agent configuration data that includes specifying an arbitrary configuration Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for an agent, wherein the arbitrary configuration URL is not associated with a physical web resource, intercepting a modify request to the arbitrary configuration URL by the agent, updating agent configuration data in response to the modify request, and updating an agent module using updated agent configuration data.