Software module deployment methods and apparatus

A method for deploying a software module on an edge device, the method comprising:

• transmitting a self-description file from the edge device to a management device, the self-description file at least describing a software running environment and hardware resource information of the edge device;
• receiving a software module mirror image deployed by the management device and installing the mirror image on the edge device;
• and
• performing communication via a port number allocated by the management device on an installed software module instance.

A software module deployment apparatus disposed on a management device, the apparatus comprising:

• a self-description file acquisition unit configured to acquire a self-description file from at least one edge device, the self-description file at least describing a software running environment and hardware resource information of the edge device;
• a deployment unit configured to deploy a software module mirror image on a suitable edge device and establish a connection relationship between different software module instances deployed on the edge device, according to an instruction of a user, on a graphical interface of a graphical management tool of the management device;
• a port number allocating unit configured to automatically allocate, to each software module instance deployed on the edge device, a port number to be used when communication is actually performed;
• and
• a configuration file generating unit configured to generate a configuration file according to the software module instance deployed on each edge device, the connection relationship between different software module instances on the edge device, and the port number.

An edge computing system comprising:

• a management device;
• and
• at least one edge device storing a self-description file;
• wherein the management device is operable to deploy a software module on the at least one edge device by:
• acquiring the self-description file from the at least one edge device with a management device, the self-description file at least describing a software running environment and hardware resource information of the edge device;
• deploying a software module mirror image on a suitable edge device and establishing a connection relationship between different software module instances deployed on the edge device;
• automatically allocating, with the management device, a port number to be used when communication is actually performed to each software module instance deployed on the edge device;
• and
• generating a configuration file according to the software module instance deployed on each edge device, the connection relationship between different software module instances on the edge device, and the port number.