Virtual Service Adapter for Automatic Network Appliance Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing network-connected appliances require individual configuration, which is costly and time-consuming, and lack the ability to automatically generate new functions based on user demands.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second servers, databases, and network connecting appliances that enable automatic configuration and function implementation by using identifiers to retrieve and apply configuration and function data, allowing for centralized management and updating of network connecting appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual configuration is performed for each network connecting appliance, then the appliance can be properly set up and operated, but the configuration process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual appliance that replicates the configuration management functions on the service provider's server. This virtual copy can be automatically configured and updated, eliminating the need for manual individual configuration of each physical appliance while ensuring proper setup through automated configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration management system that acts as an intermediary between the service provider and multiple network connecting appliances. This intermediary automatically distributes and manages configuration data to multiple appliances, reducing the time and cost of individual configuration while ensuring proper setup through centralized control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for each appliance, then specific work can be done according to environment, but the process requires expert intervention and is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual appliance creates a replicable template that captures environment-specific configuration requirements. This template can be copied and adapted to different physical appliances automatically, maintaining the ability to configure for specific environments while eliminating the need for expensive expert intervention for each individual appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration work by creating and storing configuration templates in advance on the service provider's server. These pre-prepared configurations can be automatically applied to multiple appliances, reducing the need for costly manual configuration while maintaining adaptability to different environments through template selection and customization.
3Productivity
If centralized management system is implemented, then multiple appliances can be managed efficiently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements centralized management by creating a virtual appliance that resides on the service provider's server. This virtual copy consolidates the management functions for multiple physical appliances into a single centralized entity, improving management efficiency while actually reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate management infrastructure for each appliance.
4Extent of automation
If automatic configuration is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but the ability to add new functions based on user demand is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration management system where the virtual appliance on the service provider's server can be automatically updated with new configuration templates and functional capabilities. This allows the system to maintain high automation while adapting to user demands by dynamically adding new functions through automated updates to the virtual appliance and its configuration templates.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a system enabling a function for implementing providing of a service desired by an end user to be automatically generated in a network connecting appliance.When a resource server (RS) receives a request for a specification which is desired to be implemented from a particular service adapter (SA), the requested specification is analyzed by a specification analyzing device, a virtual service adapter is formed by collecting functional modules required to implement the specification, and the formed virtual service adapter is provided for the requesting service adapter. The virtual service adapter is automatically set as a physical service adapter to implement an actually requested function in a service adapter at an end user's place.