Local Key Controller for Wireless Network Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network monitoring solutions face limitations in scalability and real-time analysis due to the trade-off between local and cloud-based approaches, with local controllers being restricted by computational capacity and cloud-based systems experiencing network latency and firewall complications.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid local and cloud-based controller system that allows secure, remote management of wireless networks by using compact, integrated local key controllers connected to a computer network switch, enabling direct communication between the local controller and a remote computer without passing data through a cloud server, while maintaining network firewall integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a local controller is used for network monitoring, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the number of devices that can be monitored is limited due to computational capacity constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network monitoring function by deploying distributed local key controllers at each network location. Each local controller handles real-time monitoring for its specific network segment, while a centralized cloud controller aggregates data from multiple local controllers to provide holistic network analysis. This segmentation allows each local controller to maintain real-time capability without being constrained by the computational limits of a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point monitoring approach to a multi-dimensional distributed architecture. Local controllers operate at the network edge providing real-time local monitoring, while the cloud controller provides centralized aggregation and analysis. This dimensional expansion from local to cloud enables both real-time performance and scalability to monitor numerous devices across multiple locations.
2Quantity of substance
If a cloud-based controller is used for network monitoring, then the ability to handle large amounts of data is improved, but network latency and firewall security issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides data processing into two segments: local processing at key controllers for real-time monitoring and cloud processing for aggregated analysis. Local controllers handle time-sensitive monitoring tasks nearby the network devices, minimizing latency, while the cloud controller processes large datasets from multiple locations for comprehensive network analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Local key controllers act as intermediaries between the network devices and the cloud controller. These intermediaries collect and pre-process data locally before transmitting to the cloud, reducing the amount of data that needs to traverse the network and reducing latency for real-time monitoring while still enabling comprehensive cloud-based analysis.
3Productivity
If a cloud-based controller is used for network monitoring, then data analysis capability is improved, but firewall security integrity is compromised due to the need for open socket connections
Solution Approach 1:
Local key controllers serve as secure intermediaries that communicate with the cloud controller through the firewall. The local controllers initiate connections to the cloud controller using port forwarding techniques, allowing the cloud to receive aggregated network data for analysis without requiring open sockets or compromising the internal network security. This intermediary approach maintains firewall integrity while enabling cloud-based data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly exposing the internal network to the cloud, the system creates a copy of network data at local key controllers. These local copies are then securely transmitted to the cloud for analysis, allowing the cloud controller to work with replicated data rather than direct network traffic, thus maintaining security boundaries while enabling advanced data analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
Compact and integrated local key controller apparatuses for remotely managing a network of wireless devices that are connected to a computer network switch. These apparatuses (including devices and systems) and methods of using them may provide secure and fully integrated, stand-alone wireless network controllers that may be accessed remotely without compromising the integrity of the network's firewall.