Distributed Control Plane for Intent-Based Storage Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributed systems face challenges in managing data processing systems to provide services effectively, as they often require rigid configurations and centralized management, which can lead to limitations and inefficiencies, especially in edge environments with limited connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A distributed control plane management system that uses an intermediate representation of roles to configure data processing systems based on user intents, allowing for flexible and self-evaluated capabilities, and enabling data processing systems to dynamically adjust their configurations to meet service demands without rigid specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centralized management is used to manage data processing systems, then control and coordination are improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol and coordinationVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control plane is segmented into multiple distributed control nodes rather than a single centralized authority. Each control node autonomously manages its local data processing systems while maintaining coordination through the distributed control plane, enabling both control and flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic role assignments where data processing systems can transition between different roles based on service demands. The intermediate representation of roles allows the system to adapt configurations dynamically without requiring centralized reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between control and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid configurations are used to manage data processing systems, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to service demands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to service demands

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic role assignments where data processing systems can transition between different roles based on service demands. The intermediate representation of roles enables flexible reconfiguration while maintaining stability through structured role definitions and controlled transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes configuration parameters by transitioning systems between predefined roles rather than allowing arbitrary reconfiguration. This maintains stability through structured parameter changes while achieving adaptability through role-based flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If centralized management is used, then coordination is improved, but system complexity and overhead deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecoordinationVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized management function is segmented into multiple distributed control nodes. Each node handles local coordination independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single node while maintaining overall system coordination through the distributed control plane architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If flexible self-evaluated capabilities are implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but management complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Data processing systems perform self-evaluation of their capabilities and autonomously determine their role assignments. This self-service approach improves adaptability while managing complexity by eliminating the need for centralized capability assessment and role assignment algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11831706B1System and method for distributed management of storage systems based on intent

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing distributed systems are disclosed. The distributed systems may include any number of data processing systems that may contribute to the functionality of the distributed system. To contribute to the functionality of the distributed system, each of the data processing systems may need to be configured to positively contribute to one or more functions. To manage configuration of data processing system, intermediate representations of roles may be used to flexibly manage system configuration. The roles may be selected based on an intent with respect to use of services that may be provided by the data processing systems. The intent may be confirmed based on services that may, during their operation, rely on the services that may be provided by the data processing systems.