Automated Host Discovery and Path Tracing in Network Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network management requires manual and labor-intensive methods for host discovery and path tracing, which are slow and inefficient, especially in complex network topologies.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and apparatus using a network management server with computer-executable code to discover host locations and trace paths by looking up MAC addresses and determining connections between neighbor devices, repeating the process until the source and destination hosts are identified.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used for host discovery and path tracing, then network administrators can identify host locations and paths, but the process is slow and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost discovery speedVSAvoiddiagnostic time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network management server automatically performs host discovery and path tracing operations without requiring manual administrator intervention. The server queries neighbor devices, retrieves MAC address information, and constructs path information autonomously, transforming a manual task into an automated self-service process that significantly reduces both labor intensity and diagnostic time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (administrators physically querying devices and tracing paths) with automated electronic querying mechanisms. The network management server uses computer-executable code to automatically query neighbor devices, retrieve MAC address tables, and compute paths, substituting human labor with automated computational processes that operate faster and without fatigue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated methods are used for host discovery and path tracing, then diagnostic speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath tracing speedVSAvoidnetwork management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network management server acts as an intermediary between network administrators and the complex network infrastructure. It handles the complexity of automated host discovery and path tracing internally, presenting simplified results to administrators. The server mediates between the need for automated speed and the desire to hide system complexity, absorbing the computational burden while providing clean, easy-to-use functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network management server performs multiple functions including host discovery, path tracing, MAC address lookup, and neighbor device querying through a single automated system. By consolidating these related network management tasks into one multi-functional platform, the patent avoids the need for multiple separate tools, thereby managing overall system complexity while delivering comprehensive automated capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8799444B2Automated host discovery and path tracing by network management server

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

One embodiment described relates to an automated method of host discovery and path tracing by a network management server. The method includes discovery of a location in the network of a source host, discovery of a location in the network of a destination host, and discovery of a path from the source host to the destination host. Other embodiments are also described.