Automated Server Rack Configuration via Physical-Virtual Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual association of server rack identities with physical locations in data centers is time-consuming and prone to human error, especially in large-scale environments with thousands of servers, necessitating an automated solution for efficient configuration.

Innovation Solution

A configuration tool scans unconfigured server racks to determine their virtual locations, uses a physical-virtual mapping to identify physical locations, and configures the racks by associating their identities with these locations, thereby automating the process of configuring server racks and computing assets within the data center.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual scanning and association of rack serial numbers with physical locations is performed, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human verification, but the configuration process becomes extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-configuration of server racks by having the configuration tool automatically scan racks, retrieve serial numbers, query the mapping database, and associate physical locations with rack identities without requiring manual human intervention for each rack

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of scanning and writing down rack serial numbers with an automated electronic system that uses configuration tools to scan, database queries to map, and automatic association to link physical locations with rack identities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual association of rack identities with physical locations is performed, then flexibility in handling various rack configurations is maintained, but human error increases resulting in incorrect associations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidassociation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the configuration tool scans racks, queries the mapping database, receives confirmation of correct associations, and can detect and report errors automatically, providing continuous verification of configuration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mapping database as an intermediary between physical rack locations and their virtual identities, serving as a centralized repository that automatically stores and retrieves the correct associations, eliminating direct human judgment and reducing errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated scanning and configuration tools are used, then configuration speed and productivity are dramatically improved, but system complexity increases requiring automated mapping databases and configuration software

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration tool is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple functions including scanning various rack types, querying different mapping databases, and configuring diverse server equipment, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the mapping database with all expected rack locations and identities before physical installation, and by automatically detecting rack presence and status upon installation, eliminating the need for complex post-installation manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9219644B2Automated configuration of new racks and other computing assets in a data center

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 META PLATFORMS INC

AI summary

A configuration tool is used to configure new server racks and computing assets in a data center. When new server racks are placed in a data center, the configuration tool scans the racks to identify any unconfigured server racks and then determines their virtual locations. The tool queries a mapping between the physical and virtual rack locations in the data center to determine the physical location for each rack based on its virtual location. Using the acquired physical and virtual locations for each unconfigured rack, the configuration tool can configure the unconfigured racks. For example, the configuration tool may identify the assets contained in the rack and associate the rack's physical location with those assets. In addition, the configuration tool can determine the rack's VLAN and use that information to configure the TOR switch associated with the rack.