Load Control Backup via Network Mediation on Private Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems lack an efficient mechanism for generating and storing backups of configuration information files without disrupting ongoing operations and maintaining security by isolating the apparatus on a private network.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a processor and memory device is configured to communicate with a network device to determine trigger points, generate backups of files, and manage communication with other devices to ensure backups are stored securely without impacting ongoing tasks, even when the apparatus and server cannot directly communicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apparatus generates and stores backups of configuration files, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional backup management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary between the apparatus and the server. The network device receives backup requests from the apparatus, manages the backup generation process, and handles file transfers to the server. This intermediary approach improves system reliability by ensuring backups are properly managed while avoiding direct complexity additions to the apparatus itself, as the backup management logic resides in the network device layer.
2Reliability
If the apparatus communicates with a server for backup storage, then data security is improved through centralized storage, but communication complexity increases due to network protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network device serves as a mediator that simplifies communication between the apparatus and the server. It handles the complex network protocols, authentication, and data transfer mechanisms required for secure communication. The apparatus only needs to communicate with the local network device using simpler protocols, while the network device manages the secure server communication, thus improving data security without significantly increasing the apparatus's communication complexity.
3Reliability
If the apparatus operates on a private network for security isolation, then security is improved, but network connectivity and backup efficiency deteriorate due to restricted communication
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture is segmented into a private network segment (apparatus and network device) and a server segment. The private network maintains security isolation while the network device acts as a gateway that can securely communicate with external servers when needed. This segmentation allows the apparatus to operate securely on the private network while still enabling efficient backups through the controlled gateway point, thus maintaining both security and backup efficiency.
4Productivity
If the apparatus generates backups without disrupting ongoing operations, then system availability is improved, but processing time increases due to concurrent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring file change events and maintaining a ready-state backup mechanism. When a file changes, the system has already established the backup infrastructure and can immediately generate backups without disrupting operations. The network device pre-configures backup parameters and maintains connection readiness, allowing backups to be generated concurrently with minimal impact on ongoing operations, thus improving system availability while managing processing time effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a backup of configuration information files at a system controller and storing this backup at a server via the use of a network device.