Extensible Power Control for Distributed Computing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed computing systems face challenges in programmatic power control due to incompatible power control hardware units from different vendors, which complicate remote power management across interconnected nodes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level, hierarchical distributed computing system with control nodes that utilize easily deployable and un-deployable power control modules, implementing a common software object interface to manage hardware power controllers, allowing for automated and efficient power control applications without interrupting system execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vendor-specific power control hardware units are used, then power control functionality is provided, but compatibility with power control hardware from other vendors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between the control node and vendor-specific power control hardware units. This translation layer converts proprietary vendor protocols into a standardized protocol, enabling the control node to communicate with power control hardware from different vendors without requiring direct vendor-specific integration. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable power control functionality while enabling multi-vendor compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control node is designed with universal power control capabilities that can interface with multiple types of vendor-specific power control hardware units through a standardized interface. The system implements a universal protocol that allows a single control node to manage power control hardware from any vendor, transforming the control node into a multi-functional device that can adapt to different hardware specifications while maintaining consistent control functionality.
2Reliability
If different communication protocols are used by different vendors, then vendor-specific power control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol translation layer serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of multiple vendor-specific protocols. Instead of the control node directly implementing support for numerous different protocols, the translation layer sits between the control node and the power control hardware, converting various vendor protocols into a unified standardized protocol that the control node can understand and manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual standardized interface that copies and abstracts the essential power control functions across different vendor protocols. Rather than directly interfacing with each vendor's unique protocol implementation, the system uses a standardized protocol specification that replicates the core control functionality, allowing the control node to interact with all power control hardware through a consistent interface model.
3Extent of automation
If programmatic power control is implemented, then automated power management is achieved, but administrator physical interaction is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service power control capabilities where the control node autonomously manages power control hardware without requiring administrator physical presence at the hardware location. The control node can programmatically issue power control commands, monitor hardware status, and perform maintenance operations remotely, enabling the system to service itself and eliminating the need for administrators to physically interact with power control hardware at remote locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to techniques of extensible power control for an autonomically controlled distributed computing system. In particular, control nodes of the distributed computing system utilize software power control modules to communicate with hardware power controllers within the distributed computing system. The power control modules are discrete software units that may be easily deployed and un-deployed while software on the control node is executing. Further, each power control module corresponds to one or more firmware versions of one or more types of hardware power controller. The power control modules are each implementations of a software interface common to every power control module. Because the power control modules share a common interface, the software on the control node that autonomically controls the distributed computing environment does not need to consider differences among types of hardware power controllers and versions of firmware installed on the hardware power controllers.