Cloud-Based Filter Management for Network Access Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction and updating of complex filters on network access switches for monitoring telecommunication links, particularly in the financial services industry, are cumbersome, error-prone, and resource-intensive due to the need to manage numerous IP addresses and frequent changes, especially for multicast data feeds from major stock exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A network access switch architecture with two configuration files: a private user-defined file and a public file centrally managed by a third party or manufacturer, allowing remote updates and user-friendly filtering options through a software interface, reducing administrative burdens and enabling efficient tracking of IP address changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex filters are manually constructed and stored in local configuration files, then filtering functionality is achieved, but administrative complexity and error-proneness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based configuration service as an intermediary between users and the access switch. This service provides a graphical user interface that simplifies filter construction by presenting pre-configured filter templates and parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually construct complex filter expressions. The service then translates these simplified inputs into the actual filter configurations deployed to the switch, thereby reducing both operational complexity and error-proneness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the filter configuration process through the cloud-based service. Instead of directly manipulating complex technical parameters on the switch, users interact with a simplified virtual representation of filter settings through the graphical interface. This virtual copy allows users to work with intuitive parameters and templates, which are then automatically translated into the actual filter configurations, making the process easier and less error-prone.
2Productivity
If filters are stored in firmware of specific access switches, then local filtering is enabled, but updates require manual intervention and increase administrative burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cloud-based configuration service continuously monitors and detects changes in filter parameters, particularly IP address ranges used by financial exchanges. When changes are detected, the service automatically retrieves updated filter definitions, pushes them to the access switch, and verifies successful deployment. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual update intervention and significantly reduces the time and administrative burden associated with keeping filters current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring filter templates and parameters in the cloud-based service before they are needed on the access switch. The service maintains a library of pre-defined filter configurations that can be quickly deployed when needed. Additionally, the service proactively monitors for parameter changes and prepares updated filter definitions in advance, so that when deployment is required, the process is already complete or near-complete, minimizing update time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple IP addresses for financial instruments are tracked manually, then filtering accuracy is maintained, but administrative resources and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by implementing automated monitoring and tracking of IP address ranges in the cloud-based configuration service. The system automatically detects changes in IP address allocations by financial exchanges, retrieves updated information, and incorporates these changes into filter configurations without requiring manual administrative intervention. This automated self-service approach maintains precise IP address tracking while eliminating the need for dedicated administrative resources to manually monitor and update these parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a configuration file on a network access switch that may be configured by a third party. A third party remotely defines a set of filters for the network access switch, absolving the user of any responsibility to update or configure the filters on the device. The configuration files may be stored and accessed remotely in the cloud. The system and method also provide for a simple software interface to facilitate easy implementation of the filters stored in the configuration files.