Dual-Protocol Network Installer for Hyper-Converged Storage Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hyper-converged infrastructure systems, existing installers struggle to reliably and efficiently reinstall operating configurations on storage system nodes when the network configuration has been changed from default values, particularly after field deployment, leading to connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a storage system with multiple network protocol support, where an installer identifies changes in IPv4 network protocol addresses, uses IPv6 to reset them to default values, and installs the operating configuration, ensuring compatibility and connectivity through automated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the installer uses the changed IPv4 network protocol address to connect to the storage system node, then the installer can connect to the system, but the installer cannot reinstall the original operating configuration because the network settings have been modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second network protocol (IPv6) as an intermediary communication channel between the installer and the storage system node. When the primary IPv4 protocol's network address has been changed, the installer uses IPv6 to establish connection and access the system. This intermediary protocol enables the installer to bypass the modified IPv4 settings, restore the original network configuration, and reinstall the operating configuration. The dual-protocol approach ensures that configuration restoration is possible even when the primary network path has been altered.
2Device complexity
If the storage system node uses a single network protocol (IPv4) with changed address, then the network configuration is simplified, but the installer loses the ability to reconnect and reinstall configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the network protocol parameter from a single protocol (IPv4) to multiple protocols (IPv4 and IPv6). By enabling the system to operate with both protocols simultaneously, the patent ensures that if IPv4 address changes occur during field deployment, the installer can still connect using IPv6. This parameter change from single-protocol to multi-protocol operation maintains installer connectivity and configuration reinstallation capability while accommodating network address modifications.
3Ease of operation
If the installer manually reconfigures network settings to restore default values, then the original configuration can be reinstated, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated configuration restoration mechanism where the installer automatically detects when IPv4 network address changes have occurred, switches to IPv6 for communication, retrieves the original operating configuration, and reinstalls it without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the entire restoration process including detecting configuration drift, establishing alternative communication paths, and restoring default settings. This automation eliminates manual reconfiguration steps, reduces installation time, and minimizes human error while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for installing operating configurations in nodes of configurable network computer systems, such as the storage system nodes of a hyper-converged infrastructure system is disclosed. The node is configured with network addresses for two different network protocols. An installer identifies a change in the first network address, then uses the second network address and protocol to change the first network address to a default value. Using the default value, the installer can then install an operating configuration using the first network address and protocol.