Hierarchical IP Phone Upgrade Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
IP phones experience network congestion and upgrade delays due to simultaneous file retrieval from a file server, especially those connected via low bandwidth connections, leading to unreliable upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical distribution method where a master network device retrieves and distributes files to other network devices, allowing files to be distributed in a peer-to-peer manner, with non-master devices further distributing files to their child nodes, optimizing the upgrade process across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all IP phones retrieve files simultaneously from the file server, then the upgrade process can be initiated across all devices, but network congestion occurs and upgrade delays happen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file distribution process by introducing multiple master nodes that each serve specific subsets of child nodes. Instead of all phones connecting directly to a single file server, the system divides the network into hierarchical segments where master nodes act as intermediaries, reducing congestion on any single connection path while maintaining parallel upgrade capability across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces master nodes as intermediary devices between the file server and regular IP phones. These master nodes receive files from the file server and then distribute them to their respective child nodes, thereby mediating the data flow and preventing direct simultaneous connections from overwhelming the file server and network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP phones connected via low bandwidth connections retrieve files from the file server, then they can participate in the upgrade process, but they experience substantial upgrade time and unreliable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing master nodes to cache files locally and serve them to child nodes with low bandwidth connections. This creates a local copy of the upgrade files at intermediate nodes, enabling devices with poor network connections to receive updates from nearby master nodes rather than attempting to download large files over slow connections from the remote file server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having master nodes retrieve and cache upgrade files in advance before the actual upgrade process begins. This allows child nodes, especially those with low bandwidth connections, to receive pre-prepared files from their master nodes without needing to perform time-consuming downloads during the upgrade window, thereby reducing overall upgrade time.
3Productivity
If a hierarchical distribution structure is implemented with master nodes, then network congestion is reduced and upgrade time is decreased, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling IP phones to autonomously determine their own roles (master or child node) and dynamically form the hierarchical distribution structure without requiring manual configuration or complex centralized control. Each device can independently initiate master node status or accept child node status based on simple criteria, allowing the system to self-organize and reducing overall system complexity despite the hierarchical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, network devices such as IP phones may be upgraded with a set of files. A master network device in the set of network devices is identified. The master network device retrieves or receives one or more files in the set of files. The master network device then distributes the file(s) to one or more network devices in the set of network devices, thereby enabling the file(s) to be distributed in a hierarchical manner to remaining network devices in the set of network devices.