Server Configuration Profile Management via Dependency Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing server configuration profiles in a data center is complex due to variations in hardware and software resources, requiring efficient methods to configure and maintain settings across multiple devices while ensuring dependency management and minimizing network traffic.
Innovation Solution
A processor in an information handling system determines configuration changes and receives remediation policies from a configuration management system, applying changes to devices while managing dependencies and optimizing network operations through SCP templates and BMCs, ensuring synchronized configuration updates across the data center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration changes are applied to multiple devices in a data center, then the system adaptability and configuration flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and management overhead increase due to dependency management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by evaluating configuration dependencies before applying changes. The system determines the current configuration state, identifies dependent devices and settings, and establishes an execution order prior to making any changes. This prevents configuration errors and ensures proper sequencing without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual configuration application process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If configuration changes are propagated across multiple devices, then the configuration consistency is improved, but the network traffic and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the configuration propagation process into discrete steps based on device groups and dependency levels. Instead of broadcasting changes to all devices simultaneously, the system segments the update process into targeted batches, applying configurations to devices that are ready and need updates, thereby reducing unnecessary network traffic while maintaining consistency.
3Reliability
If configuration dependencies are evaluated and managed, then the configuration reliability is improved, but the processing time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-evaluating and caching dependency information before configuration changes are needed. The system determines configuration dependencies in advance, stores this information for quick reference, and uses it to rapidly determine execution orders during actual configuration updates. This approach ensures reliable configuration management while minimizing the time required during operational changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a memory and a processor that determines to change a configuration setting for the information handling system and receives a remediation policy related to the configuration setting from a configuration management system in response to determining to change the configuration setting. The processor further determines from the first remediation policy that the change to the first configuration setting necessitates a configuration change to a device prior to changing the first configuration setting and changes the first configuration setting in response to a first indication that the second configuration setting of the device has been changed. The device is separate from the information handling system.