Zero Touch Computing Node Initialization via Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for deploying and configuring distributed software applications at remote office branch (ROBO) sites require skilled IT personnel to be physically present, making it difficult and expensive to manage installation and configuration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an initialization application/service on computing nodes that automatically connect to a configuration server via a network management server, allowing for remote retrieval of node configuration information, software images, and firmware, reducing the need for on-site IT professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If skilled IT personnel are deployed to ROBO sites for physical installation and configuration, then proper system setup and configuration are achieved, but deployment costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing node automatically performs self-configuration by executing an initialization application that autonomously contacts the configuration management server, retrieves appropriate configuration data, and applies settings without requiring physical IT personnel presence at the ROBO site
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration management server acts as an intermediary between the computing node and the configuration data, enabling automated configuration retrieval and application while eliminating the need for manual IT intervention at remote locations
2Ease of manufacture
If IT staff are temporarily deployed to ROBO sites, then installation and configuration tasks are completed, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing node autonomously completes installation and configuration by automatically contacting the configuration management server, retrieving node-specific configuration information, and applying settings without requiring temporary deployment of IT staff to remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical IT staff travel and manual configuration with an automated electronic system that retrieves and applies configuration data over the network, eliminating the need for temporary staff deployment
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration methods are used at remote sites, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The computing node automatically retrieves precisely tailored configuration data from the configuration management server based on its specific hardware and software requirements, maintaining configuration accuracy while eliminating manual intervention time
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration management server pre-prepares node-specific configuration information before the computing node needs it, allowing the node to simply retrieve and apply the pre-configured data, thereby maintaining precision while significantly reducing deployment time
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein includes initialization of a computing node cluster. An example method providing a query request from an initialization application/service of a computing node for a default configuration management server identifier via a network, and receiving, from a network management server, an internet protocol address associated with the default configuration management server identifier. The example method further includes providing a configuration request from the computing node to the internet protocol address requesting configuration information, and receiving the configuration information at the computing node from a configuration management server associated with the internet protocol address.