Proxy Subcommand for Dynamic HCI API Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) management systems, modifying or adding the interface definition of an esxcli plug-in requires restarting the vmware-hostd daemon, which disrupts critical functions and increases maintenance time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a proxy subcommand in the esxcli command-line interface that allows new commands to be passed to the vmware-hostd daemon without restarting it, by parsing and dispatching commands to a backend service, thus maintaining a consistent interface definition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vmware-hostd daemon is restarted to add or modify esxcli plug-in interface definitions, then the interface definition changes take effect, but critical functions are disrupted and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface definition flexibilityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy subcommand mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the command line interface and the vmware-hostd daemon. This proxy allows interface definition changes to be applied dynamically without requiring a daemon restart, thereby maintaining system adaptability while eliminating the time loss associated with restart operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic interface definition processing by allowing the vmware-hostd daemon to load and apply new plug-in interface definitions during runtime without restarting. The daemon dynamically parses command line arguments, identifies interface definition changes, and applies them on-the-fly, transforming a static restart-dependent system into a dynamic adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vmware-hostd daemon is restarted to apply plug-in changes, then the changes take effect, but cluster maintenance mode is required and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug-in customization capabilityVSAvoidcluster management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy subcommand serves as a mediator that enables plug-in customization without interrupting cluster operations. It intercepts command line inputs, applies interface definition changes dynamically, and communicates with the vmware-hostd daemon to implement changes while the cluster remains in production mode, thus maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary parsing and validation of interface definition changes before applying them to the running daemon. By pre-processing the plug-in definitions and verifying their correctness beforehand, the system ensures that changes can be applied safely without requiring maintenance mode or restarting the daemon, thereby maintaining cluster productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vmware-hostd daemon is restarted for interface modifications, then the modifications are applied, but system stability during operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface definition update capabilityVSAvoidsystem operational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy subcommand acts as a buffer between interface definition changes and the vmware-hostd daemon operations. It applies changes incrementally and safely without forcing a restart, thereby maintaining the stable operational state of the daemon while still enabling adaptability through dynamic interface updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous operation of the vmware-hostd daemon by applying interface definition changes without interruption. The daemon continues to process cluster management commands uninterrupted while the proxy dynamically applies plug-in interface modifications, maintaining both adaptability and system reliability through uninterrupted service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11347522B2API dynamic processing in HCI environment

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system may include at least one processor; and a non-transitory memory coupled to the at least one processor; wherein the information handling system is configured to manage an information handling system cluster by providing a command line interface between a user and a daemon service configured to execute user commands; wherein the command line interface implements a proxy subcommand that is configured to accept other commands; and wherein, when an other command is received, the daemon service is configured to parse the other command and dispatch the parsed other command to a particular backend service.