Parallel Peer Node File Download for WAN Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer provisioning methods are inefficient, especially in remote offices with slow network links, as they rely on transferring large images across Wide Area Networks (WANs, which is time-consuming due to redundancy in operating system files across peer computers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a list of files from a designated 'gold' computer, sending this list to the provisioning computer, and then parallelly querying peer nodes for required files, with any missing files downloaded from the administrative system, thereby reducing data transfer over the WAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large images are transferred across WAN for computer provisioning, then complete configuration is achieved, but provisioning time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary configuration files from the complete image, rather than transferring the entire image. The provisioning system identifies and downloads only the specific files needed for configuration, eliminating redundant data transfer while maintaining provisioning completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the provisioning process into two phases: first transferring a small configuration file list over WAN, then downloading actual configuration files locally from peer computers. This segmentation reduces WAN transfer time while ensuring complete provisioning through subsequent local file acquisition.
2Device complexity
If configuration files are downloaded from administrative system only, then centralized control is maintained, but network bandwidth is wasted on redundant transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces peer computers as intermediaries in the file transfer process. Instead of direct administrative system to target computer transfers, the system uses peer computers that already have configuration files locally, reducing WAN bandwidth consumption while maintaining centralized control through the configuration file list distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables target computers to self-serve configuration files by downloading them from peer computers within the local network. This self-service mechanism reduces reliance on centralized administrative system transfers, optimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining provisioning integrity through the pre-distributed file list.
3Productivity
If parallel requests are sent to multiple peer nodes, then file download speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parallel request management where the system adaptively sends requests to multiple peer nodes simultaneously based on available resources. The complexity is managed through structured request queuing and response handling, allowing the system to scale parallelism according to network conditions and peer availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for provisioning a managed node is described. The method includes obtaining data indicating a set of resources to be downloaded. The data corresponds to a designated configuration. The method also includes sending parallel resource existence requests to peer nodes for one or more resources in the set of resources. The resource existence requests are sent within a managed network. The method further includes determining if one or more responses from the peer nodes are received. The method additionally includes downloading at least one resource from at least one of the peer nodes if at least one response is received indicating that at least one peer node has a requested resource. The method also includes downloading any remaining resource from an administrative system.