Kernel Swapping for Network Device Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data recovery systems for computer networks require extensive resources and costs due to the need for full ISO images to be generated and stored for each client device, making it inefficient for businesses with numerous devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step process using a generic image to boot a failed client system, downloading and swapping an abbreviated kernel from a backup server, and restoring remaining backup data to achieve complete system recovery without the need for full ISO images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full ISO images are generated and stored for each client device, then complete system recovery is ensured, but storage resources and costs increase extensively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the kernel into two parts: a generic base kernel stored in a standard ISO image that can be shared across all client devices, and device-specific kernel components that are stored separately and only retrieved when needed. This segmentation allows the majority of the kernel to be shared, dramatically reducing storage requirements while maintaining complete recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The generic base kernel is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple different client devices across the network. This single universal kernel image can serve numerous devices, eliminating the need to store separate full ISO images for each device and significantly reducing overall storage resources required.
2Manufacturing precision
If full ISO images are stored for each client device, then recovery accuracy is maintained, but update costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the kernel into generic and device-specific portions, updates can be applied selectively. When a kernel update is needed, only the relevant portions need to be updated and distributed, rather than redistributing complete ISO images for every device. This reduces update complexity and cost while maintaining recovery accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full ISO image updates for every device, the system performs partial updates by only transferring and applying the necessary kernel components. This partial action approach reduces the effort, cost, and complexity of updates while ensuring that the essential recovery functionality remains accurate and current.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific kernels are stored for all client devices, then boot compatibility is ensured, but storage space requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The generic base kernel is designed with universal compatibility to boot multiple different client devices. This single universal kernel image provides boot compatibility across the device fleet without requiring separate device-specific kernel copies, thereby eliminating the excessive storage space that would be needed to store full device-specific kernels for every client.
Solution Approach 2:
The generic base kernel acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between boot requirements and device-specific configurations. It provides the essential boot functionality that works across devices, while device-specific components are added only when needed during the recovery process, avoiding the need to store complete device-specific kernels in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a method is disclosed for recovering a failed client device in a network. The method includes booting a failed one of a plurality of client devices in the network with a generic image having a generic kernel usable with each of the plurality of client devices. The method further includes downloading, using said generic kernel, from at least one backup server an abbreviated kernel uniquely associated with the failed client device, the abbreviated kernel comprising substantially less data than an original kernel of the failed client device immediately prior to failure of the failed client device, the abbreviated kernel comprising a boot kernel image and at least one device driver. The method includes swapping the abbreviated kernel with the generic kernel; restoring, using said abbreviated kernel, remaining backup data from the at least one backup server to the failed client device; and rebooting the failed client device.