Proxy File Repositories for Express Update Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
File repositories often face limitations in concurrent downloads, leading to excessive wait times for larger updates, which can result in incomplete deployments within scheduled time windows, especially for critical updates, and may require additional repositories that organizations cannot afford.
Innovation Solution
An express update deployment system where a management server selects computing devices to function as proxy file repositories based on hardware details, allowing them to prioritize and distribute update parts, thereby increasing the number of devices that can be updated within a given time window without additional file repositories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single file repository is used to deploy updates to computing devices, then device update capability is maintained, but the number of devices that can be updated within a time window is limited by concurrent download capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update distribution function by dividing computing devices into two sets: a first set that downloads updates directly from the file repository, and a second set that downloads updates from the first set of devices acting as proxy repositories. This segmentation multiplies the effective concurrent download capacity without adding more file repositories.
Solution Approach 2:
The first set of computing devices acts as intermediary proxy file repositories between the central file repository and the second set of computing devices. These intermediaries enable indirect update distribution, effectively extending the reach and capacity of the single file repository.
2Productivity
If more file repositories are deployed to increase concurrent download capacity, then update deployment speed improves, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables computing devices to serve themselves as proxy file repositories by utilizing their local downloaded updates to fulfill requests from other devices. This self-service approach creates additional distribution capacity without requiring external infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
Computing devices perform multiple functions: they act as both update recipients and update distributors. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve higher deployment capacity without adding dedicated infrastructure, as each device contributes to both consumption and distribution roles.
3Productivity
If updates are deployed during non-business hours to minimize productivity impact, then network congestion is reduced, but deployment time windows become more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the first set of computing devices download updates during non-business hours when network congestion is lower. These pre-downloaded updates are then available for rapid distribution to the second set of devices, enabling faster deployment within the constrained time window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic update distribution where the system can adaptively allocate devices between the first set (downloading from repository) and second set (downloading from proxies) based on real-time conditions. This dynamic allocation optimizes deployment speed within available time windows by adjusting the distribution strategy as deployment progresses.
Data Source
AI summary
An express update deployment system can enable a larger number of computing devices to be updated during a time window. When an update is to be deployed to computing devices, a management server can select a set of the computing devices to function as proxy file repositories. The management server can select the set of computing devices based on hardware details of the computing devices that are to be updated. The management server can prioritize the deployment of the update to the selected set of computing devices. Once the update has been deployed on the selected set of computing devices, the computing devices can commence functioning as proxy file repositories. The management server can then instruct other computing devices to obtain parts of the update from the computing devices that are functioning as proxy file repositories. The management server can also instruct other computing devices to concurrently obtain the update from the file repository.