Network Analyzer Business Model Using Distributed Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network analyzer systems are inadequate for providing a complete picture of traffic across geographically dispersed enterprise networks, especially in fully switched environments, and lack a scalable solution for monitoring and troubleshooting, leading to high costs and limited visibility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising agents, host controllers, and zone controllers that collect and report network traffic information, allowing for scalable monitoring and troubleshooting across complex networks, with fees determined based on the number of agents, host controllers, and zone controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical network analyzers are deployed on every switch to monitor all traffic, then complete visibility of network traffic is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software agents installed on host computers to create virtual copies of network traffic monitoring functionality, eliminating the need for physical network analyzers on every switch. These agents capture network traffic information locally and transmit it to a central database, providing complete visibility without requiring expensive hardware deployment throughout the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical network analyzer hardware system with a software-based solution. Instead of using physical devices attached to network switches, the system uses software agents running on host computers that capture network traffic information and communicate with a central database, thereby reducing hardware complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network monitoring is extended to geographically dispersed enterprise networks, then comprehensive monitoring capability is achieved, but scalability and cost effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network monitoring system into distributed software agents deployed on individual host computers across different locations, each independently capturing local network traffic. These agents communicate with a central database through standard network protocols, enabling the system to scale across geographically dispersed enterprise networks without requiring a monolithic complex architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal monitoring platform where software agents can be installed on various types of host computers (workstations, servers, laptops) regardless of their specific hardware configuration or operating system. This multi-functional agent design allows the same monitoring system to operate across diverse enterprise environments, improving scalability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional network analyzer charging models are used for enterprise networks, then billing simplicity is maintained, but business model adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pricing model where the monthly fee is calculated based on the number of active software agents deployed in the customer's network. This allows the billing structure to adapt automatically to the customer's actual monitoring needs and network size, providing both simplicity (automatic calculation based on agent count) and flexibility (can scale with business requirements).
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for charging for network analysis. Initially, network traffic information is collected utilizing a plurality of agents. Next, the network traffic information is collected utilizing a plurality of host controllers coupled to the agents. The network traffic information may then be reported to a user utilizing a plurality of zone controllers coupled to the host controllers. In use, a reoccurring fee associated with the reporting may be determined based on a number of the agents, the host controllers, and/or the zone controllers.