Automated Boot Sequence Control via Network Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and controlling boot operations in computers are labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially when dealing with large numbers of devices, as they require manual data collection and intervention to discern failure points and implement corrective actions.
Innovation Solution
A network device manages multiple computers by downloading a boot order sequence, automatically determining network paths and boot device availability, receiving boot status, and performing corrective actions based on these determinations to ensure reliable boot operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data collection and intervention are used to monitor boot operations, then detailed failure analysis can be obtained, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the network device automatically collects boot operation data, determines failures, and performs corrective actions without requiring manual human intervention. The network device autonomously monitors boot sequences, identifies failure points, and executes remediation procedures, transforming a manual process into an automated self-managing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of data collection and analysis with an automated electronic monitoring system. The network device uses automated data collection mechanisms, failure determination algorithms, and electronic communication to substitute human operators, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual intervention while maintaining detailed failure analysis capabilities.
2Productivity
If automated monitoring is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs multiple functions: it manages network traffic, monitors boot sequences, determines failures, and executes corrective actions. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single network device, the system achieves automated monitoring without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The network device leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities to handle boot monitoring tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges boot monitoring, failure analysis, and corrective action execution into a unified automated process within the network device. Rather than adding separate dedicated monitoring systems, the solution combines multiple functions into the existing network device infrastructure, thereby improving productivity while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
3Reliability
If boot sequences are dynamically controlled, then reliability is enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device implements feedback by monitoring boot operation status and using this information to dynamically adjust boot sequences. The system collects feedback on boot successes and failures, analyzes the results, and automatically modifies subsequent boot attempts based on learned patterns and determined failure causes, thereby enhancing reliability through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making boot sequences adaptable and changeable rather than static. The network device dynamically controls boot sequences based on real-time monitoring data and failure analysis, allowing the system to adjust boot orders, retry failed boots, and modify boot parameters dynamically to improve reliability without requiring complex predetermined control mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A network device manages multiple computers and connects the computers to boot devices that store boot programs used by the computers to boot. The network device downloads to each computer a respective boot order that specifies an order in which the computer is to attempt to boot from boot devices specified in the boot order. The network device automatically determines network paths over which each computer is to access the boot devices in the boot order for that computer. The network device automatically determines an availability of each network path and an availability of each boot device. The network device also receives boot status from each computer while the computer attempts to boot from boot devices in the boot order for that computer. The network device automatically performs boot-related actions based on the determined network path and boot device availabilities, and the received boot status.