Communication Path Hierarchy for Managed Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current management of computing devices relies on a single communication path with a single modality, which is inadequate as it fails to provide robustness and flexibility, leading to communication breakdowns if the primary modality fails, and backup paths often lack essential attributes like security and speed.
Innovation Solution
Determining a hierarchy of communication paths with different modalities based on current situational factors such as security, urgency, and data type, and sequentially attempting these paths until the communication need is fulfilled, allowing for dynamic selection of the optimal path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single communication path with a single modality is used for managing computing devices, then the system is simple to implement and operate, but the reliability and robustness of communication deteriorates when the primary modality fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication paths with different modalities (e.g., network interface, serial interface, parallel interface) into a unified communication system. The management computing device maintains hierarchical definitions of multiple communication paths and can switch between them based on situational factors, thereby merging the simplicity of single-path operation with the reliability of multi-path redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by selecting different communication paths based on situational factors such as path availability, security requirements, and communication urgency. The hierarchical definition allows the system to adjust which communication modality is used without changing the fundamental system architecture, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and communication reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple backup communication paths with different modalities are implemented, then the reliability and robustness of communication improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication path selection system where the hierarchy of communication paths is determined based on current situational factors rather than being statically configured. The system can dynamically adjust which path to use based on real-time conditions such as path availability, security requirements, and communication urgency, thereby managing complexity through adaptability rather than rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into a hierarchical structure with primary and secondary paths clearly defined. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing multiple communication paths into a structured hierarchy, where each path has a specific role and the system only needs to evaluate paths in order, reducing the cognitive and computational burden of managing multiple paths simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If communication paths are selected based on static configuration, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different communication needs and situational factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static configuration to dynamic selection by evaluating situational factors in real-time. The hierarchical definition of communication paths includes criteria such as path availability, security requirements, and communication urgency, allowing the system to automatically adapt to different communication needs without requiring manual reconfiguration or complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system performs self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate communication path based on pre-defined hierarchical criteria and current situational factors. The management computing device autonomously evaluates which path to use without requiring user input, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability through automated decision-making based on multiple communication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication paths between a management computing device and a managed computing device are determined. The communication paths have different communication modalities. Current situational factors governing a current communication need between the management computing device and the managed computing device are determined. A hierarchy of the communication paths, from a highest priority communication path to a lowest priority communication path, is determined based on the current situational factors. The management request for the current communication need is successively sent, from the management computing device to the managed computing device, using the one of the communication paths starting with the highest communication path and proceeding through the hierarchy until the current communication need has been fulfilled.