MIB Plug-in Management for Distributed SNMP Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information processing apparatuses face challenges in managing diverse device statuses and consumable supplies across different manufacturers, as they lack a standardized method to integrate and manage both standard and enterprise-specific Management Information Bases (MIBs) efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a plug-in management system that adds new functions as MIBs, allowing for the management of both standard and private MIBs within a defined management area, enabling seamless integration and management of devices from various manufacturers through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If enterprise-specific MIBs are added under IANA or ICANN assigned MIB tree, then device management capability is enhanced, but system complexity increases due to integration of multiple manufacturers' private MIBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIB management system into two distinct parts: a standard MIB area managed by the base application and a private MIB area managed by independent plug-in applications. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific MIB types independently, reducing the complexity burden on the core system while enabling enhanced device management capabilities through modular additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal management framework where the base application handles standard MIBs common to all devices, while plug-in applications provide manufacturer-specific extensions. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage both standardized and enterprise-specific device attributes through a unified SNMP interface, enhancing versatility without compromising system organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MIB management application is developed by acquiring information from individual manufacturers, then comprehensive device coverage is achieved, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a pre-defined management area structure for private MIBs with standardized organizational rules and metadata schemas. By preparing this framework in advance, the system enables manufacturers to contribute their private MIB information through structured plug-ins without requiring complex integration work, significantly reducing development time while achieving comprehensive device coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized interface layer between manufacturer-specific MIB data and the SNMP management system. This intermediary framework provides统一的 data structures, validation rules, and integration protocols, allowing multiple manufacturers' private MIBs to be incorporated systematically without requiring custom integration work for each vendor, thus reducing overall development effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple private MIBs from different manufacturers are integrated, then interoperability is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different management characteristics to different MIB areas: standard MIBs receive centralized management with strict validation, while private MIBs in the extended area receive decentralized management through independent plug-ins. This local quality approach allows each MIB type to be managed according to its specific requirements, improving interoperability while containing information management complexity within appropriate boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the traditional single-dimension MIB hierarchy by adding a manufacturer-specific dimension through the private MIB area. This creates a two-dimensional MIB structure where the first dimension represents the standard hierarchy and the second dimension represents manufacturer extensions. This dimensional expansion enables multi-vendor interoperability while maintaining organized information management through clear separation of concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus for configuring and processing Management Information Base (MIB)Information in a Distributed Environment. The information processing apparatus adds a new function to the information processing apparatus as a plug-in, adds, as a Management Information Base (MIB) of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), information concerning the new function added by the first adding unit in a management area in which MIBs other than standard MIBs are managed, receives an inquiry about a function of the information processing apparatus related to an MIB other than the standard MIB s, and controls a program that manages a plug-in for the function indicated by the inquiry to perform a process and return a result for the inquiry.