Dynamic Computing Device Repurposing via Pod-Based Image Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of purposing computing devices is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in scenarios like Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and large corporations, where hundreds or thousands of devices need to be configured for varying loads and roles, leading to underutilization and difficulties in reallocation or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that organizes computing devices into 'Pods' managed by aggregation nodes, allowing for dynamic repurposing by transferring preconfigured system images, eliminating the need for manual installation and configuration, and enabling efficient reallocation and recovery of computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation and configuration of operating systems and application programs is performed for each computing device, then the computing device can be properly purposed and configured, but the process becomes very time consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring computing devices with operating systems and application programs before they are deployed to their final destinations. System images containing complete configurations are prepared in advance and can be rapidly deployed to multiple devices, eliminating the need for manual installation and configuration at deployment time. This resolves the contradiction by making the purposing process faster while maintaining proper configuration through the pre-prepared system images.
2Reliability
If computing devices are maintained to handle peak traffic for each customer, then customer needs can be met during high demand periods, but computing devices remain underutilized during normal periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible and dynamic allocation of computing resources based on actual demand. Instead of maintaining a fixed allocation of devices for peak capacity, the system can dynamically assign computing devices to different customers and purposes according to real-time traffic patterns and needs. This allows the system to maintain reliability during peak periods while significantly improving productivity during normal periods through optimized resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the allocation and configuration parameters of computing devices based on demand conditions. The system can change device assignments, configurations, and resource allocations dynamically according to traffic patterns, customer needs, and utilization metrics. This enables the system to adapt to varying conditions and optimize the balance between reliability and productivity across different operational states.
3Reliability
If manual configuration of computing devices is performed, then proper setup and configuration can be ensured, but the process becomes onerous and time consuming when replacing failed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating and deploying copies of pre-configured system images to replace failed computing devices. Instead of manually configuring each replacement device, the system copies proven working configurations from template images that contain properly configured operating systems and application programs. This ensures proper configuration is maintained while dramatically simplifying and accelerating the replacement process, as the copied images can be deployed rapidly to replacement devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for purposing a computing device is disclosed. The computing devices in a network are organized into groups referred to as Pods, each Pod of computing devices further comprising an aggregation node. The aggregation node monitors and controls the computing devices in the Pod. The aggregation node is used to copy a system image from the pristine partition of another computer device or from a library of system images to a target partition of the computer to be repurposed. Because the computing devices in the network are organized into Pods, with each Pod having an aggregation node, there is no single point of failure for the entire management and control of the network. The aggregation nodes for each Pod in the network can communicate with one another to most efficiently allocate resources among the various tasks to be performed by the computing resources in the network. Computing devices in the network can be repurposed and/or reassigned to different Pods based on the various criteria.