Messaging Presence Protocol for Embedded Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems lack efficient methods for remotely managing devices with embedded systems, relying on individual management via Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) or command line interfaces, which are cumbersome and do not facilitate collaborative management or automated self-healing functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of instant messaging (IM) and presence protocols to establish virtual chat rooms for managing network devices, enabling IM sessions for configuration, file transfers, and enriched presence capabilities that allow for the exchange of operational parameters and automated management tasks, such as self-healing, through a messaging and presence protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional SNMP or command line interface methods are used for device management, then individual device management is achieved, but management complexity increases and collaborative management is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple management functions (configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, file transfer) into a unified IM session framework. The presence protocol integrates device status information with communication capabilities, allowing management operations to be conducted through a single interface rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The IM and presence protocol framework provides universal access to multiple device types and management functions through a single standardized interface. The system can handle various management tasks (configuration changes, status monitoring, diagnostic operations, file transfers) within the same protocol framework, eliminating the need for device-specific management protocols.
2Extent of automation
If individual device management methods are used, then direct control is achieved, but automated self-healing functions cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The presence protocol continuously exchanges status information between managed devices and the management system, providing real-time feedback on device health, configuration state, and operational parameters. This feedback mechanism enables automated detection of abnormal conditions and triggers self-healing operations without requiring continuous manual monitoring or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to monitor their own status, detect faults, and perform self-diagnosis and self-repair operations through automated scripts and protocols. The IM framework allows devices to autonomously manage their configurations, report issues, and execute recovery procedures without requiring constant human involvement.
3Reliability
If presence information is periodically shared, then real-time awareness is achieved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The presence protocol dynamically adjusts the frequency and scope of status information exchange based on network conditions, device priorities, and operational requirements. Rather than uniform periodic broadcasting, the system adapts presence sharing to minimize bandwidth usage while maintaining necessary real-time awareness of critical device states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements selective presence information sharing, transmitting only the most critical status data and presence indicators rather than complete device state information. This partial action approach reduces network overhead while maintaining sufficient information for effective device management and collaboration.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided herein for establishing at a network management server a presence on a network. A presence associated with one or more managed devices on the network is detected. An instant messaging (IM) session is established with the one or more managed devices. The IM session forms a virtual chat room for performing a management function on the one or more managed devices, and IM messages are sent that are configured to perform the management function on the one or more managed devices. Techniques are also provided herein for establishing on a network an enriched presence by a network management server that is configured to perform a management function via a presence function of a messaging and presence protocol.