Self-Configuring Server Deployment via Remote Archive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous availability of servers is challenging due to hardware faults, software errors, or power failures, and manual configuration of server settings is slow, error-prone, and often lacks a recorded backup.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring computer deployment system that enables a new server to rapidly and conveniently self-configure using configuration data stored in remote devices, such as IP-based digital cameras, within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of server settings is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but deployment time and administrative effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a configuration data archive that stores backup configuration data from the existing server environment. When deploying a replacement server, the configuration management unit automatically retrieves and applies this archived configuration data, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while ensuring accuracy matches the original setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by creating and storing a configuration data archive before the server fails or is replaced. This archive contains all necessary configuration data, so when the replacement server is deployed, the configuration is already prepared and can be automatically applied without waiting for manual input.
2Speed
If configuration data is stored locally on the server, then quick access is possible, but data loss occurs when the server is replaced or fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration management unit as an intermediary component that maintains a separate configuration data archive. This archive serves as a backup repository that is independent of the server's local storage, ensuring configuration data survives server replacement while enabling automatic retrieval and application to the new server.
3Reliability
If redundant servers are deployed to ensure continuous availability, then system reliability improves, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement server is equipped with a configuration management unit that automatically performs configuration by retrieving data from the configuration archive and applying it without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual configuration processes and reduces the complexity of managing replacement servers while maintaining availability.
4Reliability
If configuration data is manually recorded, then backup can be performed, but errors and incompleteness occur in the recorded data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing down configuration notes with an automated electronic configuration management unit. This unit automatically captures, stores, and manages configuration data in a structured archive format, eliminating human errors associated with manual recording while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a computing device in a network of at least one remote device is disclosed. The method includes: storing, in a remote device, a configuration data archive relating to an existing computing device, wherein the remote device is at least one of a traffic camera or an aerial drone camera; determining, by a computing device to be configured, whether the remote device has stored therein a configuration data archive; and transferring data from the configuration data archive to the computing device to be configured in response to a determination that the remote device has stored therein a configuration data archive.