Hybrid Cloud Agent Data Collection via SNMP

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid cloud environments, existing data collection methods face challenges in managing resources across private networks, particularly due to the inability of agent modules to communicate with management servers and the security risks associated with exclusive port usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing hybrid cloud agents with dual network interface cards, utilizing the standard SNMP protocol to collect management data via designated ports, and employing SNMP v3 for secure communication, eliminating the need for exclusive ports and enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If agent modules are used to collect management data in private cloud networks, then data collection capability is improved, but communication with management servers fails due to network isolation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hybrid cloud agent as an intermediary component deployed in the private cloud network. This agent acts as a mediator that collects management data locally within the isolated private network and then transmits it to the management server through the public cloud network, bridging the communication gap between isolated network environments and the central management server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If exclusive ports are used for data transmission, then communication security is improved, but firewall security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidfirewall security risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the standard SNMP protocol which operates on well-known, standardized ports rather than exclusive custom ports. This universal protocol approach allows the system to maintain secure communication through established security mechanisms while avoiding the firewall security risks associated with custom exclusive ports, as SNMP is widely supported and has standardized security practices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom data collection methods are implemented, then specific requirements are met, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverequirements fulfillmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the standard SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for data collection instead of implementing custom proprietary protocols. This universal protocol approach reduces system complexity by leveraging widely-supported standards while still meeting specific data collection requirements through proper configuration and MIB (Management Information Base) definitions, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10826972B2Contextualized analytics platform
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10826972B2 patent drawing
  • US10826972B2 patent drawing
  • US10826972B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method, wherein the computer is operable between a management server and at least one cloud server providing a cloud service, the method comprising: collecting management data related to the cloud service through a standard protocol for network management, wherein the standard protocol allows communication of the management data via a designated port; and sending at least part of the management data to the management server.