LDAP Log Repository for Directory Server Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
LDAP server logs are stored as slow and inefficient flat files, making it difficult to search, navigate, and retrieve data, as they lack hierarchical organization and require specialized programs for access and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
Transforming events and activities into LDAP entries and storing them in an LDAP repository, allowing for enhanced search and access using LDAP operations, leveraging the organization and speed of the LDAP repository, as well as caching and indexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If logs are stored as flat files, then storage simplicity is maintained, but search and access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments log storage into hierarchical LDAP entries with organized attributes rather than flat files. Each log entry is divided into structured components (timestamp, event type, details) stored as LDAP attributes, enabling efficient indexing and retrieval while maintaining organizational simplicity through the LDAP schema framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat file storage to multi-dimensional hierarchical LDAP storage. Log data is organized across multiple dimensions including temporal (timestamp), categorical (event type), and contextual (details) dimensions, allowing simultaneous optimization of search speed across different query types while maintaining structured organization.
2Ease of operation
If flat log files are used, then storage implementation is simple, but data manipulation and search capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LDAP repository universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: primary directory services, log storage, log search, and log manipulation. The same LDAP infrastructure that stores organizational data also handles log management, eliminating the need for separate specialized programs and providing unified access through standard LDAP operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LDAP as an intermediary layer between the logging system and data access requirements. Instead of directly manipulating flat files, the LDAP repository mediates all log operations through standardized protocols and tools, simplifying data manipulation and search while maintaining a structured storage backend.
3Ease of operation
If specialized programs are used to access flat log files, then data access is possible, but system complexity and operation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard LDAP tools and protocols to universally access log data alongside directory data. Common LDAP clients, browsers, and management tools can directly query and manipulate logs without requiring specialized log analysis programs, unifying the access interface and reducing operational complexity.
4Ease of operation
If flat file storage is used, then implementation is straightforward, but readability and usability of log data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by organizing log attributes according to their specific access patterns and readability requirements. Different attributes (timestamp, event type, details) are structured with appropriate LDAP attribute types and syntaxes optimized for their specific purposes, enhancing overall log readability and usability while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for maintaining logs for a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory server. The method includes receiving or detecting events or activities in the system to be logged. The events are transformed into LDAP entries and stored in an LDAP repository. The LDAP entries may then be searched and operated on using LDAP operations, thereby providing enhanced utility and functionality for log data using LDAP operations and an LDAP repository.