Auto-Configuration Server Management Device Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing configuration requests in digital communication networks are inefficient due to the need for preconfiguration of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) with specific IP addresses or URLs for auto-configuration servers, which can lead to time-consuming and error-prone processes, especially when auto-configuration servers experience high loads or are geographically distributed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an auto-configuration server management device to identify and select the auto-configuration server with the best load conditions for handling configuration requests, balancing loads across multiple servers and allowing CPE to be pre-configured with a single address, while ensuring efficient data retrieval from multiple possible servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPE is preconfigured with a specific IP address or URL for a dedicated auto-configuration server, then the CPE can reliably connect to the proper server, but the preconfiguration process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring CPE with a single generic address and pre-establishing multiple auto-configuration servers with load information. When the CPE needs configuration, the management device has already identified suitable servers and their load status, enabling rapid selection without time-consuming preconfiguration of multiple server addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
An auto-configuration server management device acts as an intermediary between the CPE and multiple auto-configuration servers. This intermediary receives configuration requests, identifies suitable servers based on device type and service requirements, checks load conditions, and selects the optimal server for the CPE, thereby eliminating the need for CPE to be preconfigured with multiple server addresses.
2Reliability
If multiple auto-configuration servers are used to improve system flexibility and robustness, then redundancy and flexibility are enhanced, but the complexity of selecting the proper server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-configuration server management device serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of server selection. It maintains information about multiple auto-configuration servers, their capabilities, and load conditions, then automatically selects the appropriate server based on CPE requirements and current system state, shielding the CPE from selection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the management device continuously monitors the load status of multiple auto-configuration servers and uses this feedback information to dynamically select the most appropriate server for each CPE configuration request, optimizing system performance and load distribution.
3Device complexity
If configuration requests are handled by a single auto-configuration server, then the server selection process is simple, but the server may experience high load and queue delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the workload by distributing configuration requests across multiple auto-configuration servers instead of concentrating all requests on a single server. The management device divides the task of handling configuration requests by selecting from multiple available servers based on their current load, thereby preventing any single server from becoming a bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects auto-configuration servers based on real-time load conditions rather than using a static assignment. The management device continuously monitors server status and adapts its selection criteria, routing configuration requests to servers with lower current loads to maintain optimal handling speed and prevent queue delays.
4Reliability
If auto-configuration servers are geographically distributed to improve accessibility, then service availability is enhanced, but load balancing and selection become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The management device acts as a central intermediary that maintains a registry of geographically distributed auto-configuration servers and their current load status. It receives configuration requests, evaluates the capabilities and load of distributed servers, and selects the most appropriate server considering both geographic accessibility and current system state, thereby managing the complexity of distributed load balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes selection parameters dynamically by considering multiple factors including server geographic location, current load status, and CPE requirements. The management device adjusts its selection criteria based on real-time parameter changes in the distributed system, optimizing both service availability and load distribution across geographic locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system, device and method for handling a configuration request. The system comprises a plurality of auto-configuration servers and an auto-configuration server management device communicatively coupled to the plurality of auto-configuration servers. The auto-configuration server management device is arranged for communication over the network with a manageable electronic device, and is arranged for receiving the configuration request from the manageable electronic device. One or more auto-configuration servers that can handle the configuration request are identified based on the identification of the manageable electronic device. The load of the one or more identified auto-configuration servers is analyzed, and based on the load analysis, an auto-configuration server is selected as destination address for the configuration request. The invention improves the configuration of customer premises devices.