Directory Server for Automatic Network Device Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing access to information about networked computer devices across disparate networks are cumbersome, requiring manual administration, compromising network security, and not compatible with heterogeneous networks, leading to inefficiencies and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A directory server system that automatically registers and provides information about network devices across multiple networks, allowing devices to discover and communicate with each other without manual intervention, maintaining network security and compatibility with non-homogeneous networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual techniques are used to manage access to information about networked computer devices, then network administrators can maintain control over device lists, but the process becomes increasingly complex and burdensome as networks grow
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network devices to automatically register themselves with the directory server and update their own information without requiring manual intervention by network administrators. Devices autonomously manage their presence information, eliminating the burden of manual device list maintenance while maintaining centralized control through the directory server.
Solution Approach 2:
The directory server pre-establishes a centralized repository for device information before devices need to be accessed. By having the directory structure and registration mechanism ready in advance, the system eliminates the need for administrators to manually organize and update device lists as networks grow.
2Extent of automation
If automatic network configuration techniques like Rendezvous are used, then devices can automatically find and configure resources, but the technique consumes network bandwidth and is sensitive to network status
Solution Approach 1:
The directory server acts as an intermediary between network devices, centralizing the device discovery function. Instead of devices continuously broadcasting their presence across the network (which consumes bandwidth), all device information is registered once with the directory server, which then serves information requests efficiently without requiring continuous network communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Rendezvous is used for device discovery, then local network devices can automatically communicate, but the technique only functions on local networks and cannot be used across wide area or public networks
Solution Approach 1:
The directory server is designed to serve multiple network types and scopes simultaneously. It can store and manage information about devices on local networks, wide area networks, and public networks within a single unified system. The server handles different network protocols and addressing schemes, making the device discovery mechanism universally applicable across diverse network environments without requiring separate solutions for each network type.
4Ease of operation
If existing methods are used to provide network information to devices outside the network, then access to device information can be provided, but network security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The directory server serves as a secure intermediary between internal network devices and external devices seeking information. External devices do not directly access the internal network; instead, they communicate with the directory server, which authenticates requests and provides only the information that should be publicly accessible. This eliminates the need to open network security boundaries while still enabling external device discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary device information that should be publicly accessible from the complete device information set. The directory server stores and provides only this extracted subset to external devices, keeping detailed internal network information secure within the network while still enabling external access to essential device identification and location information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods are described for providing information access to network devices. A directory server registers identification information about a first network device coupled to a first network. The first network and the directory server may be coupled to a second network, which may include a wide area network, public network, or the Internet. The identification information may include a network address of the first network device on the first network, or a network address of the first network on the second network. The directory server may receive and process requests for identification information about registered network devices, and may selectively reply to the requests based on status information of the first network device.