Network Device Management via Agent Tunneling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in efficiently managing network devices from various vendors and manufacturers, particularly due to the need for specific firmware/software deployment and the limitations of centralized software-based remote systems in scalability and compatibility with generic devices.
Innovation Solution
A centralized software-based remote management system that uses an agent device to establish connections with network devices, allowing discovery and management without requiring specific software or procedures on the devices, and employs tunneling protocols to overcome network obstacles, enabling management of devices from multiple vendors through a unified interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized software-based remote systems are used to manage network devices, then management time and costs are reduced, but compatibility with generic vendor devices is limited and specific firmware/software deployment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an agent device as an intermediary component deployed on the network device itself. This agent acts as a mediator between the centralized management system and the diverse network devices, enabling the management system to communicate with generic vendor devices through a standardized interface while the agent handles device-specific protocols and procedures, thus resolving the compatibility issue without sacrificing management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: the centralized management system, the agent device running on the network device, and the communication layer between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the management system maintains high-level control efficiency while the agent handles device-specific complexities, enabling both productivity and adaptability
2Ease of operation
If connection is initiated by each single network device, then remote access is enabled, but system scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional connection initiation approach. Instead of each network device initiating connections to the management system (which creates scalability limitations), the centralized management system initiates connections to the agent devices. This reversal enables the management system to actively discover and manage devices, significantly improving scalability while maintaining remote access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The agent device is designed to run autonomously on the network device, providing self-service capabilities. The agent continuously listens for connection requests from the management system and can independently establish and maintain the communication channel, eliminating the need for complex device-specific connection logic and enhancing system scalability
3Ease of operation
If proprietary methods are developed for centralized configuration, then device management is enabled, but vendor lock-in occurs and generic devices cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The agent device provides a universal interface that enables the centralized management system to configure and manage diverse network devices from different vendors through a single standardized protocol. The agent translates between the universal management protocol and device-specific protocols, allowing one management system to handle multiple vendor devices without developing proprietary methods for each, thus achieving both ease of operation and multi-vendor support
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of remote management in a network comprising a plurality of nodes to be managed by a remote controller and at least one agent device, the at least one agent device being in number lower than the plurality of nodes, wherein: - the at least one agent device makes initial contact with the remote controller in order to be authenticated by the remote controller and to establish a connection with the remote controller; - after the connection is established, the remote controller executes a discovery procedure through intermediation of the at least one agent device for discovering the plurality of nodes; - after executing the discovery procedure, the remote controller executes an identification procedure through intermediation of the at least one agent device for identifying the discovered nodes, including identification of at least one characterizing parameter selected from: model, vendor, manufacturer, software version, hardware version, firmware version, serial number and MAC address; - the remote controller manages the discovered and identified nodes through intermediation of the at least one agent device, by using managing procedures specific for the identified nodes.