Automated Remote Node Onboarding in Distributed Computing Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributed computing systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating and managing remote computing resources, particularly in onboarding and securing remote nodes, which requires complex manual processes and specialized skills, limiting scalability and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A distributed computing system architecture that automates the onboarding of remote nodes, using a central node to generate unique security material, create install packages, and establish secure communication channels, allowing remote nodes to operate as integrated parts of the system without the need for manual intervention, supporting various hosting environments and ensuring secure bi-directional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual onboarding processes are used for remote nodes, then security and integration can be achieved, but the complexity of the process increases and specialized skills are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidonboarding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated self-service mechanisms where the central node automatically generates security credentials, installation packages, and configuration files for remote nodes. The system performs self-verification through validation messages and automatically updates node status without requiring manual intervention or specialized skills, thereby maintaining security while eliminating process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual onboarding processes are used for remote nodes, then integration can be achieved, but the time and resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidonboarding time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by having the central node pre-generate all necessary security materials, installation packages, and configuration files before the remote node needs to be operational. The system prepares validation mechanisms in advance and automatically executes the onboarding sequence, significantly reducing the time required for integration while ensuring proper integration is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated onboarding is implemented, then scalability and flexibility are improved, but security management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidsecurity management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the central node as an intermediary that manages all security aspects of automated onboarding. The central node generates unique security credentials for each remote node, signs installation packages, and validates incoming connections. This intermediary approach enables scalable automated onboarding while centralizing security management, thereby reducing rather than increasing complexity for individual nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If specialized skills are required for onboarding, then security can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidonboarding ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the system itself performs all security-critical tasks including credential generation, package creation, and validation. Users simply initiate the onboarding process without needing specialized knowledge of security protocols or procedures. The automated system maintains security through cryptographic signatures and validation mechanisms while making the operation trivial for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10601956B2Automatically and remotely on-board services delivery platform computing nodes
Publication Date: 2020.03.24 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US10601956B2 patent drawing
  • US10601956B2 patent drawing
  • US10601956B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Presented herein are methods associated with a Services Delivery Platform (SDP) architecture for a distributed application building blocks, such as microservices, deployment-agnostic. The system includes a central compute node and numerous remote compute nodes. Techniques are provided to “onboard” and assimilate the capabilities of remote compute nodes so that they are an integrated part of the SDP system and can be accessed and used in connection with one or more services provided by the SDP system.