Decentralized Edge Node Upgrade Protocol Using Security Islands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge network systems face challenges in scalable and reliable upgrades due to intermittent connectivity and high latency in backhaul connections, leading to increased total cost of ownership and reduced scalability and resiliency.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized system upgrade protocol that utilizes a hive of edge peers to perform transactionally ordered upgrades, with backup provisioning nodes ensuring deadlock-free operations and secure failover, allowing for collaborative upgrades and improved node stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized upgrade protocols are used in edge network systems, then system control and management are simplified, but connectivity interruptions and high latency in backhaul connections increase total cost of ownership and reduce scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized upgrade system into distributed segments where edge nodes can autonomously perform upgrades. Each node operates independently using local configuration data, eliminating dependency on continuous backhaul connectivity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple control through standardized node behavior while achieving high reliability through decentralized operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge nodes are equipped with self-upgrade capabilities using locally stored configuration data and autonomous decision-making logic. Nodes can detect upgrade needs, execute upgrades, and manage failover without external intervention during the upgrade process. This self-service approach eliminates backhaul dependency, reducing TCO while ensuring reliable upgrades in disconnected environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If edge nodes operate with intermittent backhaul connectivity, then deployment flexibility increases, but upgrade reliability and node stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading upgrade configuration data and software images into local storage at edge nodes before connectivity is needed. Nodes prepare upgrade packages in advance and store them locally, enabling immediate execution when upgrade conditions are met without requiring real-time backhaul connectivity. This preliminary action maintains deployment flexibility while ensuring upgrade reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through redundant local storage of upgrade configurations and failover mechanisms. Nodes maintain local copies of critical upgrade data and have pre-configured failover procedures stored locally. This cushioning approach ensures that even when backhaul connectivity is intermittent or lost, nodes can complete upgrades reliably using pre-prepared local resources.
3Device complexity
If traditional centralized upgrade methods are implemented, then system architecture remains simple, but scalability and resiliency are reduced due to backhaul dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic centralized upgrade architecture into independent, autonomous node units. Each node maintains simplified local upgrade logic while the collective system achieves enhanced scalability. This segmentation allows nodes to be deployed independently across distributed locations without requiring proportional increases in centralized control infrastructure, thus improving productivity while maintaining architectural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional centralized control model to a multi-dimensional distributed architecture where upgrades can propagate through multiple nodes simultaneously via peer-to-peer communication. This dimensional change enables parallel upgrade operations across the network, dramatically improving scalability and resiliency without significantly increasing individual node complexity or overall system architectural burden.
4Extent of automation
If edge nodes perform upgrades with poor connectivity, then operational autonomy improves, but connectivity interruptions cause upgrade failures and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances self-service capabilities by equipping nodes with autonomous upgrade execution logic that operates completely independently of backhaul connectivity. Nodes autonomously detect upgrade conditions, retrieve pre-stored configuration data from local storage, execute upgrade sequences, and verify success without external intervention. This high level of operational autonomy is achieved while maintaining reliability through robust error handling and local failover mechanisms built into the self-service framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local feedback loops where nodes continuously monitor their own operational state, upgrade progress, and connectivity status. This feedback enables autonomous decision-making during upgrades, allowing nodes to detect failures, attempt recovery procedures using local resources, and only seek external assistance when absolutely necessary. This feedback mechanism maintains high operational autonomy while ensuring upgrade success rates remain high even in poorly connected environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques to upgrade network objects using security islands are described herein. Security islands of node groupings are created based on trust relationships between nodes in an edge network. An upgrade request may be received to upgrade a target edge node in the edge network. Building blocks may be identified for a package installed on the target edge node to be upgraded. A state backup may be stored for the building blocks. An upgrade command and an upgrade payload may be transmitted to the target edge node. The target edge node may be queried to obtain a status of the target edge node. An upgrade action may be determined based on the status and the upgrade action may be executed.