HTML Network Service Tags for Router Configuration via Browser APIs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network programming languages, such as those based on HTML standards, lack an efficient way to configure, control, and manage network elements like routers and switches in data networks.

Innovation Solution

The use of HTML network service tags embedded in HTML documents or applications allows web browsers hosted on network elements to communicate with APIs, enabling control and management of network elements by interpreting these tags into corresponding commands for the control and data planes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If HTML network service tags are used to control network elements, then ease of operation and programming capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for browser integration and tag interpretation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configuration and controlVSAvoidbrowser and tag interpretation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a browser as an intermediary layer between the user/controlling system and the network element. The browser hosts a network service tag interpreter that translates HTML-based network service tags into device-specific configuration commands, thereby simplifying the control interface while managing the complexity through abstraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network element is equipped with an embedded browser that can autonomously interpret and execute network service tags received via HTTP/HTTPS protocols. This self-service capability allows the device to process configuration commands without requiring external translation systems, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If web browsers are integrated into network elements for control, then adaptability and programming flexibility are improved, but loss of time increases due to browser processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming flexibilityVSAvoidbrowser processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The browser and network service tag interpreter are pre-integrated and pre-configured within the network element during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary preparation ensures that when configuration commands are received, the browser can immediately interpret and execute them without requiring runtime installation or complex initialization processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of browser configuration parameters such as timeout values, protocol preferences, and interpreter settings. By optimizing these parameters based on specific operational requirements, the processing time can be minimized while maintaining programming flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If HTML network service tags are implemented for network element control, then ease of manufacture and standardization are improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential interpretation errors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidcontrol accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal HTML network service tags that can control multiple types of network elements (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.) through a standardized interface. The browser's network service tag interpreter is designed to handle various device types using the same tag structure, ensuring consistency and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the browser verifies the successful interpretation and execution of network service tags. Error handling and validation routines check whether the translated commands were correctly received and executed by the network element, allowing for error detection and correction to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9633131B2HTML network service tags used with web browsers for controlling network elements

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A web browser configured to execute on a network element receives a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) document including HTML network service tags. The network service tags include commands to cause a corresponding network action to be taken in connection with the network element, such as configuring and/or causing information to be read from the network element. The web browser determines, based on each HTML network service tag, the command to cause the network action to be taken in connection with the network element. The web browser issues the determined command for each HTML network service tag to a corresponding application program interface (API), which in turn cause the network action to be taken in connection with the network element.