State Management Server Configuration Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the configuration of a large number of computer systems in a data center is challenging due to the need for quick updates while preventing disruptive, costly errors, especially when applying configurations to a fleet of virtual computer systems.
Innovation Solution
A state management server that applies configuration information to computer system instances with velocity and error threshold controls, limiting concurrent updates and stopping errant configurations to ensure availability and reliability, using a scheduling service to manage the application of configurations and adapt to changes in the fleet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration updates are applied quickly to all computer systems, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential errors being too disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration update process into segments by applying configurations to a subset of computer systems rather than all systems simultaneously. The state management server tracks which systems have received configurations and manages分批 application, allowing error containment and rollback capability while maintaining overall update progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying configurations to only a portion of the computer system fleet at any given time. The velocity parameter controls the rate of configuration application, and the error threshold determines when to stop partial application, ensuring that not all systems are affected by potential errors in a single update wave.
2Productivity
If configuration updates are applied to all computer systems simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for error containment and rollback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The state management server performs multiple functions: it tracks configuration states, controls update velocity, monitors error thresholds, manages rollbacks, and coordinates with the scheduling service. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single management system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the state management server continuously monitors configuration application status and error rates. Based on this feedback, the server dynamically adjusts whether to continue or stop configuration application to additional systems, enabling adaptive control without requiring complex pre-planning for every scenario.
3Productivity
If velocity parameter is increased to apply configurations faster, then productivity is improved, but reliability worsens due to higher error thresholds being exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the configuration application process dynamic by allowing the velocity parameter to be adjusted based on system conditions and error rates. The state management server can modify the rate of configuration application in real-time, increasing velocity when systems are stable and decreasing it when errors occur, rather than using a fixed update rate.
Data Source
AI summary
A state management server applies configuration information to a set of virtual computer system instances in accordance with one or more limitations specified by an administrator. In an embodiment, the limitations include a velocity parameter that limits the number of virtual computer system instances to which the configuration may be applied concurrently. In an embodiment, the limitations include an error threshold that stops the application of the configuration if the number of configuration failures meets or exceeds the error threshold. In an embodiment, the set of virtual computer systems is identified by providing a list of the individual virtual computer system instances, or by specifying one or more tags that are associated with the virtual computer systems in the set. In an embodiment, the administrator is able to specify that an association be applied according to a predetermined schedule.