NCPI Configuration Management via Intermediary Appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center management systems lack flexibility in configuring Network Critical Physical Infrastructure (NCPI) devices, limiting their operational settings and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data center management appliance is used to gather, modify, and provide device configurations to NCPI devices via a network, including UPS and PDU configurations, with the ability to define policies based on device characteristics and locations, enabling centralized management and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data center management tools are used to configure NCPI devices, then basic operational settings can be adjusted, but flexibility and access to full range of device settings are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A management appliance is introduced as an intermediary between data center personnel and NCPI devices. This appliance provides a simplified interface that masks the underlying complexity of NCPI device configurations, allowing users to access and modify the full range of device settings without dealing with the inherent complexity directly. The appliance handles the complexity of communication protocols, configuration formats, and device-specific parameters internally.
2Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for NCPI devices, then individual device settings can be adjusted, but time and effort required for managing multiple devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management appliance enables configuration templates and settings to be copied and applied across multiple NCPI devices. Once a configuration is developed for one device, it can be replicated to other devices with similar requirements, significantly reducing the time and effort needed for manual configuration. The system supports template-based configuration that can be automatically applied or modified for different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration settings, policies, and parameters can be prepared in advance using the management appliance before being deployed to NCPI devices. This preliminary configuration work allows for thorough testing and validation before actual deployment, reducing on-site configuration time and enabling batch provisioning of multiple devices simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If localized configuration approaches are used for NCPI devices, then device-specific settings can be customized, but standardized management and automation across multiple devices become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The management appliance enables different configuration parameters and policies to be applied to different NCPI devices based on their specific requirements, locations, and functions. Configuration templates can include device-specific overrides while maintaining overall standardization. This allows localized customization at the parameter level while preserving automated management capabilities through template-based deployment.
4Productivity
If comprehensive configuration options are made available for NCPI devices, then operational efficiency can be improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management appliance segments the comprehensive configuration options into organized categories, templates, and hierarchical groups. Configuration parameters are divided into essential settings that are easily accessible and advanced settings that can be optionally configured. This segmentation presents a simplified, structured interface to users while maintaining access to the full range of configuration options needed for operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for configuring network critical physical infrastructure (NCPI) devices is provided. In one example, a method is provided including acts of gathering, by a data center management appliance, at least one device configuration from an NCPI device via a network, modifying the at least one device configuration and providing the modified at least one device configuration to the NCPI device via the network. In another example, a data center management appliance is provided that includes a storage medium, a network interface and a controller coupled to the storage medium and the network interface and configured to gather at least one device configuration from a first NCPI device via the network interface, modify the at least one device configuration and provide the modified at least one device configuration to the first NCPI device via the network interface.