Network Data Collection via XSLT Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently collecting, merging, and storing network data from multiple datasources across devices in a network, particularly in integrating configuration and operational data from different sources like Persistent Management Agents (PMA) and network devices, which are often encoded in XML and require effective data management protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies network device instances, obtains datasets from multiple datasources using protocols like NETCONF, SNMP, or ZigBee, merges these datasets using Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLTs), and stores the combined data in an indexed repository, allowing for complex, simple, or trivial merges based on data hierarchy and structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is collected from multiple datasources (PMA and network devices) and merged into a combined dataset, then data completeness and integration are improved, but data processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining XPath expressions and data collection templates before actual data gathering. The system prepares query structures and merge logic in advance, so when data is collected from multiple datasources, the merging process can proceed efficiently using pre-planned approaches rather than ad-hoc processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data collection and merging process into distinct phases: (1) collecting configuration data from PMA with one set of XPath expressions, (2) collecting operational data from network devices with another set of XPath expressions, and (3) merging these segmented datasets using predefined merge logic. This segmentation allows parallel processing and reduces overall processing time.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple datasets from different datasources are merged using complex merge operations, then data accuracy and consistency are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting XPath expressions and query parameters based on the specific datasource being accessed. Different datasources (PMA vs. network devices) have different data structures, so the system modifies its query parameters and merge strategies to match each datasource's characteristics, achieving accurate merging without requiring a single complex universal approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a standardized data model and transformation layer between the heterogeneous datasources and the final combined dataset. XPath expressions act as intermediaries that translate diverse datasource structures into a common format, simplifying the merging process while maintaining data accuracy.
3Productivity
If data is filtered and queried using specific protocols and models, then data retrieval efficiency is improved, but system adaptability to different data formats decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional data collection system that can handle multiple datasources (PMA, network devices), multiple protocols (NETCONF, SNMP, RESTCONF), and multiple data formats through a single unified framework. The system uses configurable XPath expressions and adaptable query mechanisms that work across different data formats, maintaining both efficiency and versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for operating a network comprises means to identify a network device instance including at least two datasources; obtain a first dataset from a first datasource of the network device instance; obtain a second dataset from a second datasource of the network device instance; merge the first dataset and the second dataset to create a combined dataset; and store the combined dataset in an indexed repository. The first dataset includes network configuration data associated with a network device and hosted by a Persistent Management Agent and the second dataset includes operational data of the network device.