Dependency-Aware Coordination for Multi-Server Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment management systems struggle with managing heterogeneous devices in a multi-server environment, leading to issues such as temporary connectivity loss, device malfunctions, and incompatibilities due to operations like rebooting or updating firmware, which compromise network security and smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for coordinating multiple equipment management servers using a central coordination server that receives instructions, determines dependencies between devices, and orchestrates the execution of operations based on these dependencies and predefined rules, ensuring proper sequencing and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment management servers operate independently to manage heterogeneous devices, then device management coverage is improved, but coordination failures occur leading to connectivity loss and security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination server as an intermediary between multiple equipment management servers. This coordinator receives operation requests, checks dependency relationships between devices, and schedules operations to avoid conflicts. For example, before allowing a reboot operation on a gateway device, the coordinator verifies that dependent devices have completed their operations, thus preventing connectivity loss and maintaining network security while preserving multi-server management coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks of dependency relationships before executing operations. The coordination server queries dependency information in advance to determine whether devices have operational dependencies, and only allows operations to proceed when it is safe to do so. This preliminary action prevents connectivity interruptions and ensures security updates can be applied without compromising network stability.
2Productivity
If operations are executed independently on devices without coordination, then operational speed is improved, but device malfunctions occur due to incompatible configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination server implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the status of devices and their operations. When a device completes an operation or changes state, this information is fed back to the coordinator, which then uses this feedback to make scheduling decisions for subsequent operations. This ensures that operations are executed in the correct sequence and that device compatibility is maintained while preserving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the execution schedule of operations based on real-time device status and dependency relationships. Rather than using a fixed schedule, the coordination server can reorder operations dynamically as devices complete tasks or change states, optimizing both speed and compatibility. For example, if a device completes an update faster than expected, the coordinator can immediately schedule dependent operations without waiting for predetermined time intervals.
3Reliability
If security updates are applied urgently to compromised devices, then network security is improved, but connectivity is lost when the providing device is rebooted
Solution Approach 1:
Before executing a reboot operation on a device that provides connectivity services, the coordination server performs a preliminary check to identify all devices that depend on this gateway for network access. The system then schedules the security update operation on the gateway device only after confirming that dependent devices have completed their operations or are offline, preventing connectivity loss during critical security updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination server acts as an intermediary that mediates between the urgent need for security updates and the requirement to maintain connectivity. It intercepts operation requests, evaluates dependency relationships, and schedules operations to ensure that security-critical updates are applied without compromising network access for dependent devices, thus resolving the conflict between security urgency and operational continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for coordinating a plurality of device management servers, said plurality of device management servers comprising at least a first management server and a second management server, the method comprising: - receiving a first instruction for a first device connected to the first management server; - receiving a second instruction for a second device connected to the second management server; - obtaining information concerning dependency between the first and second devices; - based on the dependency information and execution coordination rules, determining an order of execution of the first instruction and the second instruction; - generating and sending a first control signal for executing the first instruction and a second control signal for executing the second instruction depending on the determined order.