Server Location Determination via Cable Length Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large datacenters, it is challenging to accurately determine the location of servers due to multiple alerts and the similarity of server types, making it difficult to identify which server is experiencing issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a reference coordinate system defined by two selected servers connected with an axis cable, where the location of a target server is determined by the lengths of cables connecting it to these reference servers, allowing for precise location within the array using taxi-cab or direct cable routing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual alerts such as bluelight identifiers are activated on servers, then the server with an issue can be indicated, but in a large datacenter with multiple alerts it becomes difficult to determine which server has a particular issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location determination system as an intermediary between the alert generation and the administrator. This system uses cable length measurements and coordinate geometry to calculate and communicate the precise location of the affected server, mediating between the alert signal and the administrator's need to locate and identify the specific server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual alert system with an automated information processing system. Instead of relying on visual inspection of physical alerts, the system electronically determines server location through cable length measurements and mathematical calculations, then communicates this information through the network.
2Loss of information
If server names are sent out over LAN to indicate the affected server, then the server identity can be communicated, but the name is not always helpful in locating where the server is physically located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds spatial dimension information to the server identification process. Instead of only communicating server names (logical identification), the system calculates and transmits physical location coordinates based on cable lengths, providing both logical and spatial dimensions of server identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination system acts as an intermediary that translates network-based server identification into physical location information. It uses cable length measurements and coordinate geometry to bridge the gap between logical server names and physical server positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple servers of the same type are present in the datacenter, then resource utilization is optimized, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and locate specific servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation through unique spatial coordinates for each server. Even though servers may be of the same type, each server has a distinct location determined by its specific cable length measurements and coordinate calculations, making each server individually identifiable and locatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces visual or physical differentiation methods with automated electronic location determination. By using cable length measurements and mathematical calculations, the system creates unique digital fingerprints for each server's location, enabling distinction between identical server types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining the location of a target computer device, such as a server in an array of interconnected servers. In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting a first server defining a first point of an axis of a reference coordinate system and selecting a second server defining a second point of the axis. A first cable is connected from the target server to the first server and a second cable is connected from the target server to the second server. The location of the target server is determined according to the length of the first cable, the length of the second cable, and the locations of the first and second servers. The axis may be designated using an axis cable, by connecting a first end of the axis cable to the first server and connecting a second end of the axis cable to the second server.