Network PDU Configuration by Location-Based Bulk Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution units (PDUs) require individual programming and configuration, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in large data centers with hundreds or thousands of PDUs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically configuring multiple PDUs by discovering them on a network and applying a common configuration file defined for a particular location, such as a data center or zone within a data center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual programming and configuration is performed for each PDU, then configuration accuracy and reliability are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual PDU configuration operations into a single bulk configuration operation. The system allows users to configure multiple PDUs simultaneously by applying a common configuration file to groups of PDUs, thereby reducing the time required while maintaining configuration reliability through consistent application of validated configuration parameters across all targeted devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing templates and common configuration files that contain pre-configured settings. These configuration files are prepared in advance with standard parameters, allowing rapid deployment to multiple PDUs without requiring individual customization, thus reducing configuration time while ensuring reliability through proven, pre-tested configuration sets.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual programming and configuration is performed for each PDU, then configuration precision and control are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple configuration tasks into a unified bulk configuration process. The system interface allows users to select multiple PDUs and apply configuration settings to all selected devices simultaneously, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision through the same validated configuration parameters being applied consistently across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional configuration system that can handle both individual and bulk configuration operations through a single interface. The same configuration file and interface used for single PDU configuration can be applied to multiple PDUs, simplifying the operational process while maintaining configuration precision through consistent parameter application.
3Measurement precision
If manual configuration of each PDU is performed, then configuration accuracy is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual configuration operations into a single bulk operation that maintains configuration accuracy. The system applies the same validated configuration parameters from a common configuration file to multiple PDUs simultaneously, ensuring consistency and accuracy while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the number of manual operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating a validated configuration file across multiple PDUs. The system copies the configuration data from a master template or previously configured PDU to multiple target PDUs, ensuring configuration accuracy through exact replication while improving productivity by eliminating the need to manually create configurations for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for configuration of multiple power distribution units (PDUs) in an efficient manner. Power distribution units may be discovered on a network, and automatically configured according to a configuration defined for a particular location. A location may be, for example, a geographical region, a data center, a zone within a data center, a cabinet, or an individual PDU. All PDUs associated with a particular location may be provided with a common configuration file that defines operating parameters for the PDUs. In such a manner, a user may simply connect the PDU to the network, with the appropriate configuration provided without additional involvement of the user.