Discovery Image for Automated Host Addition in Container Clusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adding new host systems to existing containerized clusters is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process due to the need for retrieval of installation software packages and manual configuration, especially when the configuration data has been deleted from the cluster management system.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated installer component within the cluster management system generates a discovery image using cluster configuration data to provision and configure new host systems without relying on the installation software package, allowing for automated addition of new host systems to the cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the installation software package is deleted from the cluster management system after initial deployment, then storage space is saved and system is cleaned up, but adding new host systems becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive requiring manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and storing a discovery image during the initial cluster deployment, before the installation software package is deleted. This discovery image contains all necessary configuration data and cluster credentials, enabling future host additions without requiring the original installation package or manual configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between saving storage space and maintaining efficient scalability
2Productivity
If manual configuration is used to add new host systems without the installation software package, then resource consumption is reduced during initial deployment, but the process of adding hosts becomes more complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the necessary configuration data in the form of a discovery image during initial deployment. This discovery image is a self-contained artifact that can be used repeatedly to configure new host systems without requiring the original installation software package or manual configuration steps, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving productivity benefits
3Extent of automation
If the discovery image is generated and stored, then automated addition of new host systems is enabled without the installation package, but additional storage requirements and generation processing are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential configuration data and cluster credentials from the installation software package and consolidates them into a separate discovery image artifact. This extracted discovery image can be stored independently and used for automated host addition, reducing the complexity of the overall system by separating the configuration preservation function from the installation package
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed herein enables adding new host systems to existing clusters. An example method comprises receiving, by a processor, identification data associated with an existing cluster; generating a cluster entity data structure of the existing cluster using the identification data; generating a discovery image using the cluster configuration data structure, wherein the discover image comprises an executable code structured according to a file system; and causing a new host system to boot using the discovery image.