Mesh Network Asset Tracking in Data Centers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing and tracking thousands of information handling systems in a data center is challenging, particularly in maintaining inventory and locating each system and responding quickly to unauthorized movements.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a mesh network, specifically Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), to track the presence and location of information handling systems by forming localized clusters, determining the physical location within the data center, and informing the data center management system, enabling real-time asset inventory and location updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tracking methods are used for information handling systems, then implementation complexity is low, but tracking accuracy and real-time location capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mesh network nodes as intermediary devices deployed throughout the data center. These nodes act as mediators between information handling systems and the central management system, enabling precise location tracking through wireless signal exchange without requiring complex direct integration between all systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual tracking mechanisms with automated wireless mesh network technology. Instead of physical tagging or manual registration, the system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or similar wireless protocols to automatically detect, track, and report the location of information handling systems in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive tracking of all information handling systems is implemented, then inventory management accuracy improves, but response time to unauthorized movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management accuracyVSAvoidresponse time to unauthorized movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh network establishes continuous monitoring of information handling systems through persistent wireless connections. Nodes continuously exchange location data with tracked systems, enabling real-time detection of unauthorized movements without interruption or delay in inventory management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements immediate feedback loops where mesh network nodes continuously report location changes to the central management system. When unauthorized movement is detected, the system instantly generates alerts and notifications, enabling rapid response times while maintaining comprehensive inventory accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a centralized tracking system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but scalability to handle thousands of systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the data center tracking system into distributed mesh network segments. Each mesh node operates semi-independently, managing local tracking responsibilities while contributing to the overall network. This segmentation enables the system to scale to thousands of information handling systems by adding nodes incrementally without overwhelming central infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional network topology to a three-dimensional mesh architecture where nodes are distributed throughout the physical space of the data center. This spatial dimensionality enables better coverage and scalability, allowing the system to handle thousands of systems by utilizing the vertical and horizontal distribution of nodes throughout the facility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11166253B2Data center automatic inventory and location data population and recovery using mesh network

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A mechanism is provided for utilizing location services of a mesh network to aid in tracking the presence and location of information handling systems in an environment having a large number of systems installed. In one embodiment, each information handling system joins a mesh network to form localized clusters. Mesh network location services aid the new system in finding a vertically-closest node in the cluster or a neighboring cluster. With this information, the new system can determine in which rack the system is installed. This information can then be provided to an inventory management system for inclusion of the information handling system in an inventory tracking database. Embodiments are also configured to determine when an information handling system is removed from the mesh network and can inform the inventory management system of the removal in order to determine whether additional steps need to be taken in response.