Autocollector File for Isolated Network Diagnostics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Isolated computer networks in manufacturing and process industries pose a challenge for support users to access diagnostics collection functions due to security isolation, requiring minimal user involvement to obtain performance-related data.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that generate an autocollector file with instructions for the diagnostics collection function, allowing support users to select nodes and plug-in modules for data collection, which is automatically applied when activated, minimizing user involvement and enabling remote data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network is isolated for security reasons, then network security is improved, but the ability to access diagnostics collection function is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (autocollector file) that bridges the isolated network and external support users. The file contains pre-configured diagnostic instructions and node selections that can be executed within the isolated network without external access, while still enabling remote diagnostics capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support user performs preliminary actions outside the isolated network by selecting diagnostic nodes and configuring parameters before generating the autocollector file. This pre-configuration allows the diagnostics function to execute automatically within the isolated network without requiring real-time user involvement or network access.
2Loss of information
If personnel operate the diagnostics collection function directly, then diagnostic data can be collected, but user involvement and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service diagnostics by allowing support users to pre-configure diagnostic parameters and node selections outside the isolated network. The autocollector file encapsulates all necessary instructions, enabling the diagnostics function to execute automatically within the isolated network without requiring local personnel to understand or operate the complex diagnostic interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex diagnostic configuration and node selection processes from the isolated network environment and performs them externally by the support user. Only the essential execution of pre-configured diagnostics remains within the isolated network, simplifying the user experience for local personnel.
3Ease of operation
If support user travels to the site to run diagnostics, then direct access is possible, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autocollector file serves as an intermediary that enables remote support users to execute diagnostics within the isolated network without physical presence. The file transfers diagnostic capabilities across the security boundary, allowing support to be provided remotely while maintaining the isolation integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The autocollector file is designed as a universal interface that can be generated externally and executed within the isolated network, enabling the same diagnostic functionality to be accessed both remotely and locally without requiring travel or different systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device and computer program products product for allowing performance related data to be obtained from an isolated computer network that includes a diagnostics collection function. Selections from a support user of nodes and plug-in modules associated with applications provided in the isolated computer network that are to be diagnosed are received by a autocollector file generating unit, which then provides at least one command file with instructions for the diagnostics collection function, including the user selected nodes and plug-in modules, and saves the provided data as an autocollector file that automatically makes the diagnostics collection function to apply the command file on the nodes and plug in modules when being activated.