MIB Detection Device for SNMP Module Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network administrators face difficulties in determining the Management Information Base (MIB) modules supported by SNMP-enabled devices, especially when the device is no longer supported by its manufacturer, leading to ineffective device management and potential need for new equipment.

Innovation Solution

A MIB detection device that automatically filters and parses MIB modules to isolate fully supported and unique modules for a device, traversing the MIB hierarchy to determine all supported objects, thereby enabling effective device management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If network administrators manually search for MIB modules supported by SNMP devices, then they can identify supported modules, but this process consumes significant time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of MIB module identificationVSAvoidtime spent searching for MIB modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the SNMP device to automatically provide its own MIB module information through structured queries. The device responds with its supported MIB modules without requiring external administrators to manually search documentation or databases, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate identification and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the SNMP device with structured information about its supported MIB modules. When queried, the device can immediately return accurate MIB module lists without requiring administrators to conduct time-consuming searches, thereby solving the time-accuracy tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If administrators use automated tools to detect MIB modules, then time is reduced, but the complexity of the detection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of MIB module detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a standardized query mechanism that sits between the administrator and the SNMP device. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of MIB module detection through structured queries and responses, enabling fast automated detection without requiring complex detection tools on the administrator side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the MIB module detection process into distinct, manageable components: query formulation, device response processing, and result interpretation. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high detection speed through specialized handling of each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If comprehensive MIB module lists are maintained for all devices, then complete device management information is available, but the quantity and management burden of MIB modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of device management informationVSAvoidnumber of MIB modules to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential MIB module information directly from the SNMP device through structured queries. Instead of maintaining comprehensive MIB module lists for all possible devices, the system extracts and retrieves only the specific MIB modules supported by each individual device, reducing management burden while maintaining information completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies universality by creating a multi-functional query mechanism that can retrieve MIB module information for any SNMP device regardless of manufacturer or model. This universal approach eliminates the need to maintain separate comprehensive MIB lists for each device type, reducing overall management complexity while ensuring complete information availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7752300B2Automatically determining management information base modules for a device

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 X CORP

AI summary

Described herein are processes and devices that automatically determine management information base (MIB) modules for a device. One of the devices described is a MIB detection device. The MIB detection device can automatically filter a first set of MIB modules to isolate all MIB modules (1) that are fully supported by a Simple Network Management Protocol enabled device and (2) that are unique to a manufacturer of the device, resulting in a second set of MIB modules. The MIB detection device can also automatically parse the second set to determine all MIB modules referenced in the second set. The MIB detection device automatically retrieves the referenced MIB modules and automatically parses those retrieved MIB modules to obtain additional referenced MIB modules. The MIB detection device continues automatically parsing and retrieving until reaching a management information base hierarchy root, resulting in a supported set of objects for managing the device.