Guided GUI Workflow for Network Discovery Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network discovery in large managed networks is a complex and time-consuming process, often failing due to improper access credentials and inefficient probing of IP addresses, and current GUIs for configuration are complex and error-prone, making it difficult to successfully complete discovery without errors.
Innovation Solution
A guided workflow through a series of GUI panes that logically step the user through configuration phases, allowing for testing of discovery settings and scheduling discovery at optimal network utilization times, along with an Application Platform as a Service (aPaaS) system that automates workflows and standardizes application development, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional GUIs for discovery configuration are used, then users can access discovery functionality, but the configuration process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the discovery configuration process into multiple distinct panes or steps, each handling a specific aspect of configuration. This segmentation transforms a single complex configuration interface into a series of manageable, focused steps that guide users through the process systematically, reducing errors and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If discovery is performed recursively on all subnets and IP addresses, then complete network discovery is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements scheduling functionality that allows discovery operations to be planned and executed at predetermined times when network utilization is expected to be lower. This preliminary scheduling enables the system to perform resource-intensive recursive discovery operations during off-peak hours, maintaining discovery completeness while reducing the impact on network performance and user experience.
3Reliability
If discovery is scheduled during low-utilization periods, then network performance is maintained, but discovery must be scheduled at different times for sites in different time zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables configuration of location-specific scheduling parameters, allowing each site or location to have its own discovery schedule optimized for local time zones and network utilization patterns. This local quality approach ensures that discovery operations at each site occur during locally-appropriate low-utilization periods, maintaining network performance without requiring centralized coordination of complex time zone schedules.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing system may include one or more server devices within a computational instance that remotely manages computing devices of a managed network. The computing devices may include routers that are interconnected by subnets of the managed network, and the managed network may also include a proxy server device communicatively coupled to at least one of the subnets. The server devices may be configured to: (i) provide a proxy server configuration pane of a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows specification of the proxy server device; (ii) provide a router credentials configuration pane of the GUI that allows specification of router access credentials for the routers; (iii) provide a subnet discovery scheduling pane of the GUI that allows specification of a subnet schedule for carrying out discovery of the subnets; and (iv) cause the proxy server device to perform discovery of the subnets according to the subnet schedule.