Repaired Device Identification in Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large data centers, accurately determining and verifying device identifiers of repaired devices is time-consuming and error-prone, leading to delays in placing them back in service, which affects revenue and efficiency due to manual processes and potential errors in transcribing device identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system, known as the Repaired Device Identification (RDI) system, automatically determines the device identifier of a repaired device by requesting and verifying the identifier from an interconnect device, ensuring accuracy through a reboot process that broadcasts the identifier, allowing the device to be efficiently placed back in service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual processes are used to determine and verify device identifiers, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time delays and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (technicians writing down device identifiers on paper and manually entering them into configuration data) with an automated electronic system that queries interconnect devices for device identifiers, verifies them through reboot broadcasts, and automatically updates configuration data. This substitution eliminates transcription errors and significantly reduces the time required to place repaired devices back in service.
2Measurement precision
If automated verification processes are implemented, then device identifier accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-verification mechanism where the repaired device itself participates in the verification process. When the device reboots, it automatically broadcasts its device identifier, which the system then queries against the interconnect device to verify accuracy. This self-service approach maintains high verification accuracy while minimizing the need for complex external verification infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback loops where the queried device identifier is verified against the broadcast identifier from the rebooted device. If they match, the configuration data is automatically updated; if they don't match, the system can identify potential issues. This feedback mechanism ensures accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.
3Productivity
If manual transcription of device identifiers is performed, then system simplicity is maintained, but error rates and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual transcription processes with automated electronic querying and verification. The system automatically queries the interconnect device for the device identifier, verifies it through the reboot broadcast process, and updates configuration data without human intervention. This eliminates transcription errors entirely while significantly accelerating the device reinstallation process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for determining a device identifier assigned to a device within an installation of devices connected via a network is provided. A system determines the device identifier of a device that has been repaired and reinstalled so that the device can be placed in service. Upon receiving an indication that a repaired device has been reinstalled, the system requests and receives a possible device identifier of the repaired device from an interconnect device that connects the repaired device to the network. To verify that the possible device identifier is the actual device identifier, the system directs the repaired device to reboot so that it broadcasts its device identifier. When the repaired device reboots, it broadcasts its device identifier. Upon receiving the broadcast device identifier, the system verifies that the possible device identifier is the same as the broadcast device identifier.