Network Device Access Protocol Discovery via State Machine Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing network devices requires automated access and authentication protocols, as manual changes are tedious and error-prone, and disparate access protocols across device types hinder automation of tasks like system diagnosis and configuration management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that discovers and stores the proper access protocol for each network device by sequencing through state transitions until a successful access sequence is determined, using a state machine and universal state diagram model to generate protocol scripts adaptable to various devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual authentication processes are used for each network device, then device-specific access protocols can be followed, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone when managing multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidtime to access multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal authentication system that can handle multiple device-specific protocols through a single interface. The system discovers and stores access protocols for different device types, then uses a state machine to automatically execute the appropriate protocol sequence based on device identification, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining protocol-specific accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary discovery and storage of access protocols before actual device access is needed. By pre-configuring protocol sequences and storing them for later use, the system eliminates the need to manually configure authentication for each device during operation, reducing both time and errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated access protocols are implemented, then management efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to disparate protocols across different device types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process into distinct protocol sequences, each tailored to specific device types. The system identifies the device type and selects the appropriate pre-configured protocol sequence, allowing automated management without requiring a single complex protocol to handle all device variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary between the user and diverse network devices. It translates user authentication requests into device-specific protocol sequences by matching device identifiers with stored protocol configurations, thereby simplifying the interface while supporting protocol diversity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If device-specific authentication protocols are used, then proper access can be gained to each device, but automation is hindered by the need to manually configure each protocol

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess authenticationVSAvoidprotocol configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service authentication by automatically discovering device types and selecting appropriate protocol sequences without manual configuration. The state machine autonomously executes the correct authentication steps based on device identification, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure each protocol while maintaining reliable access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a universal access protocol is created, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to future devices or standards may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess simplicityVSAvoidfuture device compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains adaptability through dynamic protocol selection rather than a fixed universal protocol. When new device types are encountered, the system can discover and add new protocol sequences to its database, allowing the interface to remain simple while the underlying system adapts to new device standards through updated protocol configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8826412B2Automatic access to network devices using various authentication schemes

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 RIVERBED TECH LLC

AI summary

An access discovery method and system discovers and stores the proper access protocol for each device on a network. The discovery process includes progressively sequencing through state transitions until a successful access protocol sequence is determined, and an access script corresponding to this sequence is stored for subsequent access to the device. Preferably, the protocol-discovery algorithm is modeled as a state table that includes a start state and two possible terminal states: success and failure. A state machine executes the state table until a terminal state is reached; if the terminal state is a failure, the system backtracks to attempt an alternative sequence. The process continues until the success state is reached or until all possible sequences are executed without success. An exemplary state model is provided that has been shown to be effective for modeling network devices from a variety of vendor devices.