Self-locating Computing Device with RFID Location Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking methods in data centers are agnostic to the actual location of computing assets, failing to provide accurate location information and trusted computing zone constraints, which is crucial for maintenance, cost optimization, and security in large data centers and public clouds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-locating computing devices equipped with a Wireless Credential Exchange Module (WCEM) and a management engine that detect and authenticate location tags using RFID technology, allowing devices to determine and report their location to an asset management server, ensuring accurate tracking and trusted zone adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID-based asset tagging is used to track computing assets, then asset tracking capability is improved, but location awareness and trusted computing zone verification are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location tags as intermediary elements that are distinct from the computing assets themselves. These location tags are placed at specific physical locations within the data center and contain location information. The RFID reader on the computing asset reads these location tags to determine its current position, thereby solving the contradiction by using an intermediary (location tag) that provides location information without being the asset itself.
2Device complexity
If basic spreadsheet tracking is used for computing assets, then system complexity is reduced, but location precision and trusted zone verification are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into two independent components: location tags placed at specific physical locations containing location information, and RFID readers on computing assets that read these tags. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while achieving precise location tracking and trusted zone verification, as each component has a dedicated function.
3Measurement precision
If location tags with known locations are deployed throughout the data center, then location tracking precision is improved, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location tags serve multiple functions: they provide location information to RFID readers, enable trusted computing zone verification, and support asset tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity despite the deployment of multiple location tags throughout the data center.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise asset location tracking and secure trusted computing environments, enhancing data center management by ensuring accurate asset placement and security through continuous location awareness and authentication.
Implementation Method 1
detect one or more location tags using a Wireless Credential Exchange Module
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of self-locating computing devices, systems, and methods are described. In some embodiments, a computing device may include a Wireless Credential Exchange Module (WCEM) to detect one or more location tags and a management engine, coupled to the WCEM, to retrieve information of the one or more location tags from the WCEM, and to provide an asset management server with an identifier of the computing device and the information of the one or more location tags or location information of the computing device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.