Cross-Network Listening Agent for Centralized SNMP Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networked computing environments, monitoring multiple networks separately is inefficient due to the need for separate installation of monitoring tools on each network, preventing centralized management and coordination across different networks.
Innovation Solution
A cross-network listening agent that executes on computing devices connected to each network, listens for metric data broadcast by network entities and transmits this data to a network and system management system on another network, allowing for centralized monitoring across multiple networks using protocols like SNMP and SOAP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate monitoring tools are installed on each network to monitor network entities, then monitoring coverage is achieved, but system complexity and deployment effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate monitoring tools into a single centralized monitoring system that can monitor network entities across multiple networks simultaneously. The monitoring agent consolidates the functionality of what would otherwise require separate installations on each network, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring agent is designed with multi-functionality to operate across different networks and monitor various network entities (routers, switches, servers, workstations) through a single deployment. This universal design allows the same agent to perform monitoring tasks on multiple networks without requiring network-specific configurations or separate tool installations.
2Ease of operation
If separate monitoring tools are installed on each network, then local monitoring capability is provided, but deployment effort and maintenance overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the deployment of multiple separate monitoring tools into a single agent installation that provides local monitoring capabilities across multiple networks. This single deployment action replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate installations, significantly reducing deployment effort and time while maintaining local monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring agent acts as an intermediary that bridges local network monitoring with centralized management. It provides local monitoring capability by capturing metrics from network entities on its host network while simultaneously serving as a communication bridge to forward this data to the centralized monitoring system, eliminating the need for separate local monitoring tools.
3Reliability
If multiple separate monitoring systems are used across networks, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but coordination and centralized management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring agent serves as an intermediary that enables centralized management while maintaining comprehensive monitoring. It collects monitoring data locally from network entities and acts as a communication bridge to the centralized monitoring system, allowing the centralized system to manage and coordinate monitoring across multiple networks without direct access to each network's internal entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional layer of abstraction by deploying monitoring agents on intermediate systems (such as network management servers or gateway devices) that have access to multiple networks. This dimensional change allows the centralized monitoring system to monitor network entities indirectly through these agent-hosting systems, achieving comprehensive monitoring while maintaining centralized control without requiring direct integration with each network.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein include at least one of systems, methods, and software of a cross-network listening agent for network entity monitoring. In some such embodiments, the cross-network listening agent is an element of software or a hardware device connected to a network and listens for metric data broadcast by other entities of the network. The cross-network listening agent receives the broadcast metric data and transmits the metric data to a network and system management system resident on another network. The network entities are generally any device that reports status with regard to metrics the network entity monitors with regard to its own state. In some embodiments, the network entities report their status in Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) messages that are broadcast on the network, but are unable to reach the network and system management system resident on the other network.