Automated Cluster Node Configuration via Switch Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cluster node configuration processes are manual and require physical presence, involving multiple interactions for adding or replacing nodes in a high-availability computing architecture, which limits automation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system that assigns an initial IP address to a new cluster node, identifies its hardware address, locates the association in a switch, reconfigures the IP address assignment, and requests a reboot, utilizing a node bringup service and DHCP server to automate the configuration process without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual configuration procedures are used for adding cluster nodes, then physical presence and local tasks can be performed, but automation is limited and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the cluster node configuration process performs its own setup tasks automatically. The method automates IP address assignment, hardware address identification, switch association location, and reboot requests without requiring manual administrator intervention, allowing the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically assigning an initial IP address to the newly added cluster node before other configuration tasks. This preliminary IP assignment enables subsequent automated steps including hardware address identification and switch association location to proceed without manual intervention
2Ease of operation
If manual interactions are required for node configuration, then local tasks can be performed by administrators, but physical presence is required and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical/physical operations with automated electronic processes. Instead of requiring physical presence at the node location for manual configuration tasks, the system uses automated electronic communication to perform IP address assignment, hardware address identification, and configuration updates remotely through the network
3Productivity
If multiple manual steps are performed for cluster node configuration, then configuration tasks can be completed, but the process complexity increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate manual configuration tasks into a single automated process. Steps including IP address assignment, hardware address identification, switch association location, and reboot requests are combined into one integrated automated workflow that executes sequentially without requiring separate manual interventions for each task
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to cluster node configuration and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for automated cluster node configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, an automated cluster node configuration method can be provided. The method can include assigning an initial IP address to a newly added cluster node in a cluster, identifying a hardware address for the newly added cluster node, locating an association with the hardware address in a switch in the cluster, re-configuring the assignment of the IP address based upon the located association in the switch, and requesting a reboot of the newly added cluster node with the re-configured assignment of the IP address.