Management System Interface with Managed Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management protocols require prior knowledge of managed network elements to communicate effectively, limiting their ability to interface and control devices without pre-existing information.
Innovation Solution
A method that enables a management system to receive and utilize interface information, including routines and descriptions specified in interpreted and descriptive languages, to interface with managed devices without a priori knowledge, using protocols like DHCP and HTTP to retrieve and execute management functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing management protocols (SNMP, CMIP, TL1, TR069) are used to communicate with managed network elements, then the management system can perform network element management functions, but the management system requires a priori knowledge regarding the managed network elements to communicate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (interface information retrieval system) that mediates between the management system and managed devices. This intermediary automatically obtains interface information from a repository and translates it into usable communication protocols, allowing the management system to interface with diverse devices without requiring prior knowledge of each device's specific interface requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by retrieving interface information that specifies protocol details, data formats, and communication methods tailored to each managed device. This allows the management system to adapt its communication parameters based on the specific device being managed, rather than requiring pre-configured knowledge of each device type.
2Ease of operation
If management systems require a priori knowledge of managed network elements to communicate, then communication can be established using standard protocols, but the system cannot interface with devices lacking pre-existing information in the management system
Solution Approach 1:
The management system implements self-service by automatically retrieving interface information for managed devices from a repository using device identifiers. Instead of requiring manual configuration or pre-existing knowledge bases, the system autonomously obtains the necessary interface details, making the communication establishment process self-sufficient and adaptable to new device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-retrieving and caching interface information from the repository before actual management operations begin. This preliminary retrieval of interface specifications enables the management system to be prepared for communicating with managed devices without requiring real-time knowledge or manual setup during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a method and apparatus for interfacing with a managed device. A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a message including an identifier indicative of a location at which interface information associated with the managed device is stored, obtaining the interface information, and initiating a request to perform a function on the managed device using the interface information. The interface information includes information adapted for use by a management system to interface with the managed device. The interface information includes one or more interface routines and one or more interface routine descriptions. The interface routine(s) is specified using an interpreted language, such as Java, Visual Basic, and the like. The interface routine description is specified using a descriptive language, such as XML, XHTML, and the like.