Network Profile Configuration for Distributed Node Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Administering network interfaces in distributed architectures is challenging due to the complexity of configuring multiple nodes with different network settings, leading to difficulties in managing and maintaining sub-networks across multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of network profiles that automatically configure multiple network interfaces based on user inputs, including interface parameters and identifiers, allows for streamlined management and configuration of network interfaces, enabling automation of settings across multiple nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration methods are used for multiple network interfaces across distributed nodes, then each interface can be configured individually with precise control, but the administrative complexity and time required for configuration and maintenance increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidadministrative complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates template configurations that can be copied and applied across multiple network interfaces and nodes. A single template definition serves as a reusable copy that propagates configuration settings to multiple targets, eliminating the need to manually configure each interface separately while maintaining consistency across the distributed system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration system is designed to be universal, allowing a single configuration template to serve multiple network interfaces across different nodes simultaneously. The system provides multi-functionality by enabling the same configuration logic to be applied universally across heterogeneous network environments, reducing administrative overhead while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If individual configuration of each network interface is performed, then precise control over each interface is achieved, but the time and effort required for configuration and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining configuration templates that encapsulate all necessary interface parameters and settings. These templates are prepared in advance and can be rapidly deployed to multiple network interfaces simultaneously, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual configuration while ensuring precision through the pre-validated template structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration templates serve as reusable copies that can be instantiated across multiple network interfaces. Instead of configuring each interface individually from scratch, the system copies the validated template configuration to multiple targets, maintaining configuration precision while dramatically reducing the time and effort required for deployment and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network interfaces with different configurations are deployed across distributed nodes, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the difficulty of managing and maintaining sub-networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidease of management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network configuration management into distinct template definitions and target interface assignments. By separating the configuration logic (templates) from the deployment targets (interfaces on specific nodes), the system enables flexible adaptation to different network requirements while simplifying management through centralized template control. Administrators can modify templates independently and have changes propagated to relevant interfaces without manually managing each interface individually

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8539056B2Systems and methods for configuring multiple network interfaces
Publication Date: 2013.09.17 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US8539056B2 patent drawing
  • US8539056B2 patent drawing
  • US8539056B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, systems and methods are provided for configuring multiple network interfaces based on a network profile. In one embodiment, a user interface module manages the creation, modification, and deletion of active and inactive profiles, which may be stored to a configuration file accessible to computers with network interfaces belonging to the respective profiles, such as homogeneous or heterogeneous nodes in a clustered network of computers. In one embodiment, a configuration module reads a configuration file with embedded network profiles and builds the appropriate network interfaces according to the interface parameters specified in the network profiles.