Policy-Based Wireless Docking Access and Prioritization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, a race-condition arises when multiple systems attempt to pair with a device within communication range, leading to uncertainty about which system is paired, especially when devices are reserved for specific periods and locations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for policy-based wireless docking access and prioritization, where an exchange server manages device reservations, provides pairing requests, and configures connection details, including passwords and control transfer protocols, to ensure efficient and controlled pairing among information handling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple information handling systems are within communication range of a device, then wireless docking flexibility and accessibility are improved, but race-conditions arise causing uncertainty about which system is paired
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing reservations before wireless docking occurs. The exchange server stores reservation information including time periods and associated information handling systems in advance, so when docking is requested, the system can immediately verify authorization without race conditions. This pre-authorization mechanism ensures that even multiple systems within range cannot conflict because only reserved systems are permitted to dock.
Solution Approach 2:
The exchange server acts as an intermediary between devices and information handling systems. It mediates the docking process by receiving docking requests, checking reservation status, and authorizing or denying connections. This intermediary layer prevents direct peer-to-peer race conditions by centralizing the decision-making process, ensuring that only authorized systems can pair with devices during their reserved time periods.
2Reliability
If device reservations are enforced for specific time periods, then access control and conflict prevention are improved, but device availability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reservation system is dynamic rather than static. Reservations are time-bound and automatically expire after their designated time periods, allowing devices to become available again. The exchange server continuously manages reservation states, activating them during reserved periods and deactivating them afterward. This dynamic approach ensures strict access control during reservations while maintaining device availability outside reservation windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time-based reservations where devices are allocated to specific information handling systems for defined time periods. Between these reserved periods, devices return to an available state and can be reserved by other systems. This periodic allocation pattern balances access control during active use with device availability for subsequent users, preventing permanent monopolization of devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device includes a scheduling controller receiving a request to reserve pairing with a device during a specific period of time, a memory storing a device identifier of a first information handling system in a scheduling table to associate the first information handling system with the device during the specific period of time, and providing connection details for the specific period of time to the first information handling system and the device, wherein the device and first information handling system can utilize the connection details to automatically pair any time after a start of the specific period of time.