Remote Management of Virtual Data Center Hosts via Modified JNLP Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing virtual data centers from outside the network is challenging due to the need for physical access, leading to increased IT costs and inefficiencies, especially in hyper-converged infrastructures where remote management is not conventionally supported.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a novel process for outside-of-network management of virtual data centers using Java Network Launch Protocol (JNLP) files, which allows for remote interaction with hosts by establishing tunnels and modifying JNLP content to enable access through available ports and tunnels, facilitating remote console access and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If on-site access is used to manage virtual servers and physical servers, then management control is achieved, but IT costs increase and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A remote management server acts as an intermediary between the user's computing device and the virtual/physical servers. The server establishes network tunnels and modifies JNLP files to enable remote access to management interfaces, eliminating the need for physical travel to data centers while maintaining full management control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical access is required for management, then direct control is achieved, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote management server automatically performs tunnel establishment and JNLP file modification when receiving management requests. The system self-configures the network paths and authentication parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling scalable remote management across multiple servers and locations.
3Ease of operation
If remote access is enabled through traditional methods, then management flexibility improves, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote management server serves as a secure intermediary that establishes authenticated network tunnels before allowing access. It modifies JNLP files to include proper authentication parameters and routing information, ensuring that only authorized users can access management interfaces while maintaining security protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system and method for outside-of-network management of a component in a virtual data center, a computing device outside of the virtual data center network requests a host java network launch protocol (JNLP) file for a host on a component in the virtual data center network. After receiving the request, the host provides the host JNLP file to a webservice that modifies a portion of the host JNLP file and provides the further modified host JNLP file to the computing device outside of the virtual data center network. The computing device outside of the virtual data center network can utilize the information in the modified host JNLP file to establish a connection to the host and remotely manage the component.