Network Service Management via Automatic Server Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network service management technologies face inefficiencies due to the long time it takes for technicians to manually turn off edge servers that enter an unbound and out-of-control state, leading to high labor costs and low management efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a target server periodically detects its actual on-and-off state and acquires the standard on-and-off state from a control center, sending a service turn-off request if necessary, and upon approval, the control center updates the state and notifies the server to turn off the service, enabling timely automatic shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If technicians manually turn off network service at edge servers, then dirty data generation is prevented, but management efficiency is low and labor cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of dirty dataVSAvoidmanagement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge server automatically detects its own operational state and sends requests to the control center for shutdown approval, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention. The server self-monitors through periodic detection of on-and-off states and autonomously initiates the shutdown process when anomalies are detected, while still maintaining centralized control through the control center's approval mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the edge server periodically detects its operational state and reports to the control center, which responds with approval or rejection signals. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the server remains under control while enabling automated response to state changes, resolving the contradiction between automation and centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If technicians manually monitor and turn off edge servers, then service control is maintained, but response time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice controlVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The edge server continuously monitors its operational state in advance and is prepared to immediately initiate shutdown requests when abnormal states are detected. This preliminary monitoring and readiness to act eliminates the time delay associated with manual detection and response, while the control center maintains oversight through the approval process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual monitoring and shutdown process with an automated electronic detection and control system. The server's detection module automatically identifies state changes and triggers electronic communication with the control center, substituting human technician actions with automated computational processes that respond instantaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated detection is implemented, then management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control center serves multiple functions: it receives shutdown requests from edge servers, approves or rejects these requests, updates the operational state records, and maintains centralized control policies. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control center acts as an intermediary between the edge server's automated detection system and the centralized management policies. It receives automated requests, applies control logic, and returns decisions, thereby mediating between automation and management oversight. This intermediary role enables automated efficiency while maintaining controlled complexity through a standardized communication interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3525400B1Network service management method and system
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 CHINANETCENT TECH
  • EP3525400B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525400B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525400B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for managing network service includes: when a target server is in a self-controlled "ON" state, detecting, by the target server, an actual on-and-off state of a target network service every preset period of time, and acquiring, by the target server, a standard on-and-off state of the target network service from a control center; if the target network service needs to be turned off based on the standard and actual on-and-off states, sending, by the target server, a service turn-off request of the target network service to the control center; if it is allowed to turn off the target network service, sending, by the control center, a service turn-off notification to the target server, and updating, the standard on-and-off state of the target network service of the target server to an "off' state; and after receiving the service turn-off notification, turning off, by the target server, the target network service.