Automatic Descriptor for Network Plant MIB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in efficiently integrating new network devices and evolving management services, as existing tools either require no programming but cannot evolve or need reprogramming for each new device type, leading to increased integration times and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with an automatic descriptor that includes data designating network plant types and management information base definitions, allowing it to access and deliver representative data from the management information base, reducing the need for reprogramming and enhancing integration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MIB browsers are used for plant integration, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal descriptor structure that can manage multiple types of network plant through a common interface. The descriptor includes standardized fields (identifier, name, type, MIB reference, instance reference) that work across different plant types, eliminating the need for separate MIB browser implementations for each device type while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary layer (the structured descriptor with MIB references) between the network management system and the diverse plant types. This descriptor acts as a mediator that translates various plant-specific MIB structures into a unified management interface, enabling adaptability without sacrificing ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NMS applications with programming are used for plant integration, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-defining standardized descriptor structures and MIB references that can be reused across different plant integrations. Rather than programming each integration from scratch, the system prepares reusable descriptor templates with predefined fields and relationships, significantly reducing integration time while maintaining adaptability through configurable references.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables copying of proven descriptor structures and MIB reference patterns across different plant types. Once a descriptor structure is established for one plant type, it can be copied and adapted for other types by modifying references rather than rewriting entire integration logic, thereby improving productivity while preserving adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive MIB definitions are loaded for plant management, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential and relevant MIB definition elements needed for management into the descriptor structure. Rather than loading entire MIB databases, the system extracts specific field definitions, relationships, and constraints into the descriptor, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for the management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the comprehensive MIB definitions into manageable descriptor components with specific fields (identifier, name, type, MIB reference, instance reference). This segmentation allows the system to load and process only the necessary portions of MIB definitions relevant to each plant type, reducing overall complexity while preserving measurement precision where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) is dedicated to managing management data of plant (5) of a communications network, each unit of plant including a management information base (6) containing values of fields and associated with a management information base definition (7) including fields and accessible in a network management system (NMS). The system includes at least one automatic descriptor (8) that includes first data designating at least one type of network plant (5) and second data designating management information base definitions (7) associated with the type of plant (5), and is adapted, in the event of receiving data designating the type of plant (5), to access the fields of the management information base definitions (7) associated with the designated type and then to deliver third data representative of the fields of the plant (5) belong to the designated type.