Centralized Network Device Information Tracking System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing network devices in data centers is complex due to the interaction between various devices, making it difficult for administrators to effectively monitor and maintain network performance and troubleshoot issues.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for tracking state information from multiple network devices, analyzing this information, and performing actions based on the analysis, which includes a cloud layer for centralized storage and analysis of network device information, and external applications for specific analysis and modification requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If network administrators manually monitor and manage each network device individually, then detailed control over each device is maintained, but the complexity and time required for management increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork device managementVSAvoidnetwork device interaction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of multiple network devices into a single centralized system. The network device information collector gathers data from multiple devices, the cloud layer stores and processes this data, and the network device information processor analyzes it to generate unified management actions. This consolidation reduces the complexity of managing individual devices while maintaining comprehensive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components between network devices and administrators. The network device information collector acts as an intermediary that automatically gathers device information, the cloud layer serves as an intermediary storage and processing layer, and the network device information processor acts as an intermediary that analyzes data and generates management recommendations. This intermediary layer simplifies the interaction between administrators and complex network devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If centralized cloud layer is used for storing and analyzing network device information, then management efficiency and analysis capability are improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud layer is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: storing network device information, processing collected data, analyzing device states, and generating management actions. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single infrastructure, improving productivity while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the network device information collector for data gathering, the cloud layer for storage and processing, and the network device information processor for analysis and action generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring and analysis of network device state information is performed, then proactive issue detection is enabled, but computational resources and processing time are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performance monitoringVSAvoidprocessing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing network device information in the cloud layer before issues occur. The network device information processor analyzes this pre-collected data to detect potential problems early, enabling proactive resolution. This preliminary data gathering and analysis reduces the need for intensive real-time processing when actual issues arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic action by collecting network device information at scheduled intervals rather than continuously processing every possible parameter in real-time. The network device information collector gathers data periodically, and the processor analyzes changes between periods, which reduces computational resource consumption while maintaining effective monitoring and issue detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3249529B1Method and system for tracking network device information in a network switch
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 ARISTA NETWORKS INC
  • EP3249529B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3249529B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3249529B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

In general, embodiments of the invention relate to a method for processing network device information. The method includes receiving network device information (NDI) from a plurality of network devices, storing the NDI in a computer cluster, after storing the NDI, determining that a first application is registered to receive the NDI, providing the NDI to the first application, analyzing, by the first application, the NDI, and performing, based on the analysis, a first action.