Automated Server Deployment and Network Compliance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the dynamic changes in communications connections within data centers, such as those in VLAN switches and patching configurations, is challenging due to the large number of equipment and service changes, making it difficult to ensure compliance with network design rules and detect unauthorized changes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that automatically monitors changes to communications connections, identifies unauthorized changes, and issues alerts if they do not comply with predetermined rules, while also automating the deployment of new servers by selecting appropriate locations and configuring necessary hardware and services based on predefined rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of communications connections is used, then operational control is maintained, but the ability to detect unauthorized changes and ensure compliance deteriorates due to the large number of equipment and service changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising automated monitoring software and network devices that act as mediators between the physical communications connections and the management personnel. This intermediary automatically detects changes in patching configurations and VLAN switch settings, compares them against authorized changes, and generates alerts for unauthorized modifications, thereby enhancing detection capability without requiring direct manual monitoring of all connections
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system implements self-service capabilities by automatically detecting changes, determining whether they are authorized, and generating alerts without human intervention. The system autonomously tracks configurations, identifies deviations from authorized states, and notifies relevant personnel, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining operational control
2Reliability
If automated monitoring of communications connections is implemented, then compliance with network design rules is improved, but the complexity of the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining authorized changes and network design rules before monitoring begins. The system is configured with a baseline of approved modifications, and any deviations from this pre-established framework are automatically detected and flagged. This approach ensures compliance with network design rules while managing system complexity through structured, pre-planned monitoring parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously compare actual communications connection states against authorized configurations and network design rules. When unauthorized changes are detected, the system provides immediate feedback through alerts and notifications to relevant personnel, enabling rapid corrective action. This closed-loop feedback ensures compliance while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control
3Productivity
If manual deployment of new servers is performed, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but deployment time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copying by creating and maintaining a master template or model of authorized server configurations and communications connections. When deploying new servers, the system automatically copies these pre-approved configurations rather than requiring manual setup, thereby accelerating deployment speed while ensuring configuration accuracy through replication of validated templates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring server deployment templates with authorized communications connections and VLAN settings before actual deployment occurs. This advance preparation enables rapid server provisioning while maintaining configuration accuracy, as the pre-configured templates ensure compliance with network design rules without requiring manual configuration during deployment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of deploying a new server that will receive a set of services include receiving a request to deploy the new server, automatically selecting a location for the server based on a set of rules, and automatically determining the hardware and configuration changes that are necessary to deploy the server at the selected location and to provide the set of services to the server.