Network Connectivity Evaluation System for Storage Area Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and troubleshooting connectivity issues in complex storage area networks (SANs) is time-consuming and inefficient due to the complexity of physical connections and configurations, requiring manual inspection and multiple software applications to isolate faults.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for evaluating network connectivity by gathering device configuration information and determining its compliance with connectivity conditions between resources, providing a user interface to simplify troubleshooting and identify connectivity issues across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and multiple software applications are used to troubleshoot connectivity issues, then connectivity faults can be isolated, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple software applications and manual inspection processes into a single automated connectivity evaluation system. The system integrates device configuration information gathering, connectivity condition definition, and compliance determination into one unified tool that automatically evaluates connectivity between network resources, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications and significantly reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining fault isolation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary gathering of device configuration information and pre-defines connectivity conditions before actual connectivity evaluation is needed. By having this information ready in advance, the system can quickly determine compliance when connectivity issues arise, rather than performing manual inspections and data collection during the troubleshooting process
2Measurement precision
If physical connections and configurations of multiple devices are inspected to determine connectivity failure causes, then the source of problems can be identified, but the complexity of the task increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex troubleshooting process into distinct, manageable components: gathering device configuration information, defining connectivity conditions, and determining compliance. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex multi-device connectivity evaluations systematically by breaking down the overall task into smaller, automated steps that can be executed sequentially without requiring manual inspection of each physical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated evaluation process between the physical network connections and the administrator's analysis. This intermediary automatically gathers configuration data, applies connectivity rules, and determines compliance, serving as a mediator that simplifies the complex task of identifying problem sources in multi-device configurations by providing automated analysis results rather than requiring direct manual inspection of all connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If administrators use spreadsheets to maintain connectivity data and select connection objects, then connection candidates can be identified, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically gathering device configuration information, evaluating connectivity conditions, and identifying suitable connection objects without requiring administrators to manually maintain spreadsheets or perform complex analysis. The automated system serves itself by continuously monitoring and evaluating connectivity, providing up-to-date information about connection status and suggesting appropriate objects for connection based on predefined criteria
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a computer or communication network by obtaining connectivity configuration information from a plurality of networked devices; and, determining a network connectivity condition between any two of the plurality of networked devices.