Remote Management Module Automated Server Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote support systems for storage servers are limited in their ability to autonomously detect and troubleshoot issues, often requiring manual configuration and cannot initiate connections with external devices, leading to inefficiencies and undetectable errors.

Innovation Solution

A remote management module (RMM) is implemented on the storage server that periodically connects to a support server, allowing for remote command execution and data reporting, enabling proactive diagnosis and repair of issues without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a support console is configured to troubleshoot storage servers, then diagnostic capability is improved, but configuration complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support console automatically discovers storage servers on the network and configures itself without requiring manual setup by administrators. The system performs self-configuration by autonomously establishing communication channels, identifying target servers, and setting up monitoring parameters, thereby eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining diagnostic capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support console performs preliminary automatic configuration and setup before actual troubleshooting operations begin. By pre-establishing communication protocols, pre-identifying storage servers, and pre-configuring monitoring parameters, the system eliminates the need for manual configuration at the time of deployment, reducing both configuration complexity and time consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a support console operates externally to storage servers, then independence is improved, but detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveindependenceVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The support console acts as an intermediary that combines external independence with internal access capabilities. It maintains independence by operating as a separate external system while simultaneously gaining detection capabilities through established communication channels with storage servers, allowing it to function as both an independent monitoring entity and an integrated diagnostic tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support console is designed with multi-functionality to operate both externally as an independent system and internally as an integrated diagnostic tool. It can perform functions both outside and inside the storage server environment, combining the advantages of external independence with internal detection capabilities through its universal design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration is required for support console, then control precision is improved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support console performs automatic self-configuration without requiring manual input, thereby eliminating configuration time while maintaining precision through automated discovery and setup processes that accurately identify storage servers and establish appropriate monitoring parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automatic configuration actions before deployment, pre-establishing all necessary settings and parameters with precision, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining accurate and precise setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If remote support requires external connection initiation, then security is improved, but automation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidautomation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The support console serves as a secure intermediary that enables automated troubleshooting while maintaining security protocols. It facilitates automated connections and operations between storage servers and support systems while acting as a controlled intermediary that enforces security policies, allowing automation to proceed without compromising system security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8806037B1Remote support automation for a storage server
Publication Date: 2014.08.12 NETAPP INC
  • US8806037B1 patent drawing
  • US8806037B1 patent drawing
  • US8806037B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote management module receives a command from a support server in response to the remote management module initiating a first secure, authenticated connection with the support server, wherein the remote management module is integrated with, and monitors a condition of, a processing system. The remote management module executes the command to generate a result that provides diagnostic data about the processing system. The remote management module reports the result to the support server upon the remote management module initiating a second secure, authenticated connection with the support server.