Network Address Mapping System for Complex Topologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of network topologies due to technologies like NAT, VPN, DMVPN, and DVN makes it difficult to track and manage network addresses and service ports across disparate devices, leading to error-prone and labor-intensive configuration and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a hierarchy of objects with specific properties to systematically map and manage network addresses and service ports, allowing for real-time configuration and updates, even across complex topologies involving various devices and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracking and configuration of network addresses is used, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but accuracy and real-time updates deteriorate due to human error and labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers network devices and generates address mappings without human intervention. The topology discovery module autonomously traverses the network, identifies devices, and builds the hierarchy, while the address mapping module automatically generates and updates mappings based on discovered topologies, eliminating manual configuration and reducing human error
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network topology changes and automatically updates address mappings in real-time. When topology changes are detected through continuous discovery, the system regenerates address mappings and pushes updates to affected devices, ensuring accuracy without manual intervention
2Productivity
If automated topology discovery is implemented, then real-time accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational resources worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the network topology into hierarchical segments (root devices, intermediate devices, leaf devices) and processes address mapping for each segment independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different network portions and reduces the computational complexity of analyzing entire network topologies at once
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary topology discovery and hierarchy building before generating address mappings. By pre-organizing the network structure into a hierarchical representation with identified device roles and relationships, the system prepares data in advance for efficient mapping generation, reducing processing time when updates are needed
3Reliability
If comprehensive topology tracking is implemented, then reliability of network addressing is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers network devices, builds topology hierarchies, generates address mappings, and pushes configurations without human intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the need for operators to manually configure complex networking parameters, making the system as easy to operate as simply initiating the discovery process while maintaining high reliability through automated consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple functions within a single unified platform: topology discovery, hierarchy construction, address mapping generation, configuration management, and change notification. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools and manual processes into one automated system, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include a system and method to systematically map complex network topologies for providing real-time network address and service port information for each network device in the system. Furthermore, various class objects also provide a real-time configuration capability of network devices, routers, modems, VPNs, and NATs in the system. Accordingly, system 100 can be managed with minimal user involvement while maintaining ongoing accuracy.