Function-Level License Control for Network Resource Granularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resource control methods in network communication products, such as routers and switches, lack fine-grained granularity, leading to inefficiencies in pricing and resource management, allowing users to misuse or access additional resources without payment, resulting in unrealized revenue for equipment suppliers.
Innovation Solution
A fine-grained resource control method and apparatus that define a license item in a license file to restrict resource usage, with a controller determining resource allocation based on a preferential support command and actual resource numbers, ensuring that resources are only used within predetermined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resource control is based on hardware single boards and overall software, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource management granularity becomes coarse and resource value cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource control from hardware/board-level to function-level granularity. It introduces function-level licensing where specific software functions can be independently licensed and controlled, allowing precise control over which functions run on which hardware boards. This segmentation enables fine-grained resource allocation without complicating the overall system operation.
2Reliability
If hardware resources are supplied in excess to meet redundancy requirements, then system reliability is improved, but resource waste occurs and resource value cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where function licenses can be flexibly assigned to different hardware boards based on actual needs. Instead of statically binding functions to specific boards for redundancy, the system can dynamically activate or deactivate function licenses on available boards, ensuring reliability through licensing control rather than permanent hardware duplication, thus reducing resource waste.
3Ease of manufacture
If software functions are bundled together in versions, then ease of manufacture is improved and pricing is simplified, but fine-grained control over individual functions is lost and intellectual property cannot be protected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments software licensing from bundled version-level licensing to individual function-level licensing. Each software function can be independently licensed with its own license key, allowing the supplier to control and price individual functions separately. This segmentation enables fine-grained IP protection while maintaining simplified manufacturing through automated license generation and validation mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users are allowed to access all hardware resources, then adaptability is improved and users can modify parameters for expansion, but resource misuse occurs and resource value cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces function licenses as an intermediary layer between users and hardware resources. Instead of directly controlling hardware access, the system uses software function licenses as mediators that enable or disable specific functions. This intermediary mechanism allows users to flexibly configure and expand system functionality within licensed boundaries, while preventing misuse by blocking unauthorized function activation regardless of hardware capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a fine-grained resource control method and apparatus. The method includes: defining, for a function of which resource usage is needed to be restricted, a license item in a license file, wherein the license item is used for representing a resource restriction number for supporting the function; and judging whether a preferential support command is preset for resources of the function, if presetting, controlling the resources of the function according to the preferential support command, a value of the license item and an actual resource number for supporting the function, otherwise, controlling the resources of the function directly according to the value of the license item and the actual resource number for supporting the function.