Dynamic Device Persona Identification via Connectivity Tiers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems face inefficiencies and errors in configuring network devices due to the need for manual determination of device personas based on complex network topologies, which is cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in networks with diverse types of devices.
Innovation Solution
A Dynamic Device Persona Identification (DDPI) system that uses Link Layer Discovery Protocol packets to gather device information, classifies network devices into connectivity tiers based on connection patterns, and automatically configures them with appropriate personas using a graph database and bucketing algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual determination of device personas is used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to the cumbersome and error-prone nature of manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network devices to automatically self-identify their personas through graph database analysis of connectivity patterns. The DDPI system autonomously classifies devices into connectivity tiers and assigns appropriate personas without requiring manual administrator intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically improving deployment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of administrators analyzing network topologies and configuring devices with an automated computational system. The graph database and bucketing algorithms substitute human analysis, automatically determining device personas based on connectivity patterns, thus eliminating human error while maintaining high productivity
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration processes are used, then device persona accuracy can be maintained, but complexity of operation increases due to the need for extensive analysis
Solution Approach 1:
Network devices automatically self-configure by having their personas determined through graph database analysis of their connectivity patterns. The system self-services the entire configuration process, eliminating the need for administrators to perform complex manual analysis while ensuring accurate persona identification through algorithmic classification
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a graph database copy of the network topology that mirrors the actual physical connections. This graphical representation is then analyzed using bucketing algorithms to determine personas, replacing complex manual analysis with automated computational processing of the topological data model
3Productivity
If automated configuration systems are implemented, then productivity improves, but reliability may worsen due to potential errors in automatic persona determination
Solution Approach 1:
The graph database continuously monitors and analyzes connectivity patterns, providing feedback loops that verify persona assignments. The system validates device classifications against the topological data, ensuring that automated persona determination maintains high reliability by cross-checking connectivity patterns against established classification criteria
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual configuration processes with automated graph database analysis and bucketing algorithms. This substitution eliminates human error in persona determination while maintaining reliability through mathematical classification methods that consistently apply the same logical rules to all devices based on their connectivity patterns
4Adaptability or versatility
If diverse network devices are supported, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to the variety of protocols and services
Solution Approach 1:
The graph database approach provides a universal framework that works across diverse network devices regardless of their specific protocols or services. By representing all devices as nodes and connections as edges in a unified topological model, the system handles device diversity through a single versatile classification mechanism rather than device-specific configuration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages device diversity by changing the parameter representation from device-specific attributes to topological connectivity patterns. Instead of analyzing various device protocols and services, the graph database focuses on universal connectivity parameters (number of connections, hierarchical position), simplifying the handling of diverse devices through parameter transformation
Data Source
AI summary
A network management system (NMS) that can provision and manage a network is provided. During operation, the NMS can determine, for a respective network device in the network, connectivity information indicating how the network device is connected within the network and a device profile of the network device. The NMS can then determine a connectivity tier of the network device in the network based on the connectivity information. The connectivity tier can correspond to a placement of the network device in a hierarchy of network devices in the network. The NMS can select a device persona associated with the connectivity tier. Here, the device persona indicates specification and configurations for the network device. The NMS can send, to the network device, configuration information that configurates the device persona on the network device.