Edge Configuration-Aware License Keys for Dark-Site Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of configuring edge computing equipment for resource sharing in diverse geographic locations, especially in dark sites without internet access, is high due to the need for manual setup, bespoke configuration packages, and unreliable call-back mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent activation key is generated with dual encrypted blocks, one for product license data and one for edge configuration data, enabling automatic configuration of edge computing equipment using a virtual machine instantiation and edge configuration engine, which decrypts and executes customized code to register licenses and configure equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setup and bespoke configuration packages are used for edge computing equipment in dark sites, then configuration can be performed without internet access, but the complexity and cost of configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system is segmented into modular components: a license server that generates intelligent activation keys, edge configuration engines at remote sites, and virtual machine instantiations. Each component operates independently but coordinates through standardized interfaces, allowing complex configuration tasks to be broken down into manageable segments that can be executed autonomously at dark sites without requiring centralized manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
An intelligent activation key serves as an intermediary carrier that transports configuration data from the license server to edge computing equipment in dark sites. This key acts as a self-contained medium that encapsulates all necessary configuration information, enabling automatic deployment without requiring internet connectivity or manual setup procedures at the remote location
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration procedures are used for edge computing equipment, then configuration can be customized for each location, but setup time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is prepared and encapsulated in advance within intelligent activation keys at the license server before deployment to edge sites. This preliminary action allows extensive customization of configuration parameters for each specific location to be completed beforehand, so that when the key is applied at the remote site, the configuration is automatically applied without requiring time-consuming manual setup or on-site customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and distributes copies of configuration templates and parameters through intelligent activation keys. These keyed configurations can be replicated and adapted for multiple locations while maintaining customization through parameter variables, allowing standardized configuration processes to be copied across sites while still accommodating location-specific requirements without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If call-back mechanisms are used for configuration updates, then remote equipment can be updated, but reliability decreases in locations without internet access
Solution Approach 1:
All configuration data and update information are encapsulated within the intelligent activation key before deployment to the edge site. This preliminary preparation ensures that configuration updates are self-contained and do not require subsequent internet connectivity or call-back mechanisms to complete or verify, making the update process reliable in dark sites where internet access is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The edge configuration engine at the remote site performs self-service by automatically detecting the presence of the intelligent activation key and executing the embedded configuration data without requiring external verification or updates from the license server. This self-contained operation eliminates dependency on internet connectivity or call-back mechanisms, ensuring reliable configuration in isolated locations
Data Source
AI summary
Edge configuration aware license key generation is presented herein. An example method comprises, in response to downloading an intelligent activation key, instantiating an edge configuration engine comprising a listening process and a configuration process, creating and associating a license file vault instance with the edge configuration engine, initiating the listening process, and based on the listening process detecting that a change has occurred with the license file vault, initiating the configuration process, wherein the configuration process configures edge computing equipment to retrieve enabling data used to activate a product associated with the intelligent activation key and enumerated in the license file vault.