Automated Hardware Topology Discovery for Cloud Cluster Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current deployment of data center clusters is time-consuming and prone to human errors due to the complexity of connecting and configuring specialized servers, switches, and storage devices, particularly in cloud infrastructure setups like OpenStack, where hardware topology information is often lacking, and BIOS configuration requires manual, inefficient methods.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play manager system automates the deployment of networked devices by using an Agile Hardware Topology Discovery Mechanism, Intelligent Recognition for BIOS Configuration Setting, and Demand-driven Cloud Architecture Design Engine, which includes a deployment server that connects to nodes to configure BIOS settings based on predefined rules and collects hardware information for efficient setup and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration methods are used for BIOS settings and hardware setup, then technicians can directly control and verify each setting, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the deployment server automatically discovers hardware topology, collects BIOS configuration options, and applies settings without requiring continuous technician intervention. The intelligent engine autonomously navigates BIOS interfaces and configures settings based on collected hardware information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by first collecting hardware topology information and identifying available BIOS configuration options before actually applying configurations. This preparatory phase allows the system to plan the configuration sequence and avoid unnecessary manual intervention during the actual deployment.
2Productivity
If automated deployment tools are used, then deployment speed increases, but hardware topology information is often lacking causing identification difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hardware topology discovery before deployment begins. The intelligent engine collects detailed hardware information including NIC connections, slot mappings, and device relationships, storing this data for use during the automated configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where hardware information is continuously collected and verified during the deployment process. The intelligent engine uses this feedback to adjust configuration decisions and resolve ambiguities in hardware topology identification.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive hardware information collection is performed, then accurate configuration is achieved, but the complexity of the deployment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple information collection functions into a single intelligent engine that handles hardware topology discovery, BIOS option identification, and configuration decision-making. This consolidation reduces process complexity while maintaining comprehensive data collection for accurate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent engine serves multiple functions: it discovers hardware topology, collects BIOS configuration options, determines optimal settings, and applies configurations across multiple devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools and simplifies the overall deployment process.
4Productivity
If BIOS configuration is automated through deployment server, then deployment efficiency improves, but compatibility with different hardware variants must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system handles hardware variability by dynamically adjusting configuration parameters based on collected hardware information. The intelligent engine identifies hardware-specific BIOS options and applies appropriate settings for each device variant, ensuring compatibility across different hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of hardware variants and their specific BIOS configuration requirements before deployment. This allows the intelligent engine to prepare device-specific configuration profiles that ensure compatibility while maintaining automated deployment efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-and-play solution deployment mechanism and infrastructure to automate deployment of network cluster devices is disclosed. The solution includes an agile hardware topology discovery mechanism to automatically map the hardware of the cluster devices. The solution includes an intelligent engine for recognition of BIOS configuration setting and BIOS configuration of the devices. The solution also includes a demand-driven Cloud architecture design engine to design and test a cloud architecture incorporating the cluster devices.