Non-intrusive IT Device Discovery and Configuration Cloning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face significant overhead in tracking inventory updates of IT devices due to dynamic changes, requiring manual addition to infrastructure management systems and resource-intensive scanning processes, which can lead to inefficiencies and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A data center infrastructure management system that uses network communication to identify and update IT devices automatically, employing personality identification and configuration cloning to dynamically manage changes without the need for additional OS agents or extensive networking bandwidth, enabling efficient detection and management of IT devices across diverse vendor landscapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software agents are installed on IT devices to track inventory changes, then device monitoring capability is improved, but system complexity and deployment overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from the IT devices themselves by removing the need for software agents on device operating systems. Instead, the infrastructure management system performs all monitoring operations externally through network-based discovery mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the infrastructure management system acts as a mediator between network devices and the monitoring function. Through standardized network protocols and device information models, the system mediates the collection and interpretation of device inventory data without requiring direct software installation on monitored devices
2Measurement precision
If network scanning probes are used to detect device changes, then inventory update detection is improved, but networking bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled discovery operations that periodically scan the network for device changes. Rather than continuous monitoring, the system performs discovery at intervals, which reduces bandwidth consumption while still detecting inventory updates effectively. The system can adjust discovery frequencies based on network conditions and change rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing targeted network scans only on specific network segments or device types when changes are detected, rather than scanning the entire network continuously. This selective approach maintains detection precision for critical areas while reducing overall bandwidth consumption in the network
3Reliability
If manual device addition is required for infrastructure management, then system control is maintained, but administrative time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service through automated device discovery and registration capabilities. When new IT devices are added to the network, the infrastructure management system automatically detects them through network scanning, retrieves their information using standardized models, and adds them to the management database without administrator intervention. This maintains system control while eliminating manual addition time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the network for device changes and automatically responds to detected changes. When inventory changes are detected through discovery operations, the system provides feedback loops that trigger automatic updates to the infrastructure management database, ensuring the system remains synchronized without requiring administrative awareness or action
4Adaptability or versatility
If diverse vendor IT devices are managed with different protocols and interfaces, then device compatibility is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized device information model that can represent multiple vendor-specific device types through a common framework. The system uses universal network protocols and standardized data structures to manage diverse IT devices from different vendors, allowing a single management interface to handle various device types without requiring vendor-specific management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device management approach by separating the standardized management interface from vendor-specific implementation details. The device information model segments device attributes into standardized categories, while the discovery process segments the complexity of handling different protocols and interfaces into manageable, protocol-specific modules that translate to the unified management framework
Data Source
AI summary
Infrastructure management device(s) may discover IT device(s) communicatively connected over a network. IT device information may be determined for at least one of the IT device(s). Configuration rule(s) compatible with IT device information may be matched to IT device(s). Action(s) may be performed on one or more device inventories, determined at least in part, by the configuration rule(s).