Automated Network Connectivity Discovery for Server Switch Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually tracing and managing cable connections between network devices and switches is difficult and error-prone, especially when connections are moved, making it challenging to detect and maintain accurate connectivity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus, such as a Discovery Server, automatically discovers connections by obtaining switch port identifier mappings and switch information, using agents to collect and correlate port identifiers, MAC addresses, and WWPNs across multiple switches and network devices, enabling the identification of physical connections and supporting re-discovery processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual cable tracing is used to track connections, then initial connection tracking is possible, but the process becomes difficult and error-prone when connections are moved
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-discovery of connections by having network devices and switches automatically exchange identification information through protocols like CDP, LLDP, or FC-AL. This eliminates the need for manual cable tracing and automatically updates connection records when cables are moved, making the system self-maintaining without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of physically tracing cables with an automated electronic discovery system. Network devices use software agents and communication protocols to automatically identify and report connections, substituting human physical inspection with electronic automated detection and tracking.
2Reliability
If manual methods are used to detect moved cable connections, then connection changes can be detected, but it becomes difficult to find the new connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous automated connection discovery at scheduled intervals or upon connection events. Network devices continuously monitor and report connection status changes, ensuring that moved cables are detected promptly and new connectivity is automatically tracked without manual intervention, maintaining continuous awareness of network topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated discovery system implements feedback mechanisms where network devices and switches continuously exchange connection information. When a cable is moved, the system receives feedback through protocol messages (CDP, LLDP, FC-AL) that automatically update the connection database, providing real-time feedback on connection changes and enabling rapid detection and tracking of new connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables connect servers to multiple switches, then network connectivity is established, but tracking these connections becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex connection tracking problem into manageable components by assigning unique identification information to each network device and port. Each device and port is individually identified and tracked through protocol exchanges, breaking down the overall complex connectivity management into discrete, trackable units that can be automatically monitored and recorded.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated discovery system implements a universal multi-functional platform that handles various connection types (Ethernet, Fibre Channel, storage networks) through a single unified approach. The system uses multiple protocols (CDP, LLDP, FC-AL) and can track diverse connection scenarios (single cable, multiple cables, server-to-switch, switch-to-switch) through one integrated discovery mechanism, eliminating the need for separate tracking methods for different connection scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus obtains a switch port identifier mapping for each of the plurality of ports of a network device, wherein the switch port identifier mapping indicates a port identifier of one of the plurality of ports of the network device and a switch port identifier of a switch port to which the one of the plurality of ports is connected. The apparatus obtains a set of switch information for each of a plurality of switches, the set of switch information including a set of switch port identifiers associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of switches. The apparatus ascertains for each one of the plurality of ports, a corresponding one of the plurality of switches and a port of the one of the plurality of switches to which the one of the plurality of ports is connected.