Host Ranking for Cluster Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrastructure building tools for configuring server clusters are not user-friendly, particularly for novice or average users, as they lack intuitiveness and require expertise in virtualization, storage compatibility, and networking, making it difficult to set up and manage clusters with advanced features like VMotion, DRS, HA, and FT.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that identifies compatible hosts for forming a cluster by executing a compatibility analysis, presenting suggested adjustments, and constructing a configuration template to ensure optimal selection of computing resources, storage, and network connectivity, allowing for the usage of advanced cluster features without requiring extensive user expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current infrastructure building tools are used to configure server clusters, then cluster configuration can be performed, but the process becomes complex and requires extensive user expertise in virtualization, storage compatibility, and networking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool that acts as a mediator between the user and the complex cluster configuration process. This tool automatically discovers available hosts, analyzes their compatibility with advanced features, and guides users through configuration steps, thereby reducing the complexity burden on users while maintaining proper configuration standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool performs self-service by automatically executing compatibility analyses, generating configuration recommendations, and identifying suitable hosts without requiring users to manually check storage compatibility, networking requirements, or virtualization capabilities. The system serves itself by providing intelligent guidance based on automated assessments.
2Reliability
If advanced cluster features like VMotion, DRS, HA, and FT are enabled, then system availability and performance are improved, but the difficulty of configuring and managing these features increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing compatibility analyses and generating configuration recommendations before the user actually configures the advanced features. The system pre-assesses which hosts are suitable for VMotion, DRS, HA, and FT features, and prepares configuration templates in advance, thereby simplifying the actual configuration process while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool implements feedback by continuously monitoring host compatibility status and providing real-time guidance to users. As users proceed with configuration, the system feedbacks information about which features can be successfully enabled based on current host capabilities, allowing users to make informed decisions while maintaining system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual host selection and configuration is performed without automated compatibility analysis, then users have full control over configuration, but users may not understand storage compatibility and connectivity criteria leading to suboptimal cluster setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compatibility analysis and generates configuration templates before user configuration actions. This preliminary assessment of storage compatibility, networking requirements, and host capabilities provides users with informed options while maintaining their control flexibility. The accuracy is improved through automated pre-analysis without restricting user adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool serves as an intermediary that bridges user control flexibility with configuration accuracy. It presents users with compatibility-assessed options and recommendations, allowing users to make informed decisions with full control while ensuring that storage compatibility and connectivity criteria are properly evaluated through automated analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer implemented methods, system and apparatus for configuring a cluster using a plurality of hosts include identifying a plurality of features for forming the cluster. The plurality of features define requirements needed in a host for forming the cluster. A plurality of hosts are identified to be part of the cluster. A compatibility analysis is executed for each of the identified hosts wherein a ranking is provided for each of the identified hosts. A plurality of suggested adjustments to particular hosts are presented to enable the particular hosts to be compatible with the features requirements. A configuration template is constructed for the hosts in the cluster that are compatible with the requirements. The hosts are configured for the cluster using the configuration settings in the configuration template. The configured hosts enable the features in the cluster.