Network Device Inventory Estimation from Log Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network carriers face challenges in identifying changes to device components without disclosed inventory information, leading to time-consuming failure diagnosis and potential service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A network device information management apparatus that acquires log data from connected devices, extracts component configurations by excluding common portions before and after component registration, compares these configurations, and estimates inventory information without vendor intervention, enabling continuous detection of component changes and updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network carrier does not have access to disclosed inventory information from vendors, then the carrier cannot directly obtain accurate device component information, but this leads to time-consuming failure diagnosis and delayed service restoration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure diagnosis accuracyVSAvoidfailure diagnosis time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces log data as an intermediary medium between the device components and the network carrier. Instead of directly accessing vendor inventory information, the carrier collects log data from devices which indirectly reveals component configuration changes. This intermediary approach allows the carrier to obtain component information without direct vendor disclosure while maintaining timely failure diagnosis capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional manual or direct vendor inquiry method for obtaining inventory information with an automated log data analysis system. The system automatically collects, parses, and analyzes log data to detect component changes, substituting the mechanical process of vendor communication with an automated information extraction mechanism from device logs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If the carrier manually monitors device components without automated log analysis, then vendor inventory information can be obtained directly, but the complexity of monitoring increases and automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent monitoring automationVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the device itself to generate and maintain its own inventory information representation through log data. The device automatically logs component configurations and changes, making the monitoring system self-sufficient without requiring external vendor intervention or complex centralized management. The log data serves as a self-maintained record that the carrier can independently analyze

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the vendor inventory information system using log data. Instead of implementing a complex system to access and manage actual vendor inventory databases, the carrier creates a functional copy by extracting component information from device logs, achieving the same monitoring capability with reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If the carrier accesses detailed vendor inventory information, then complete component knowledge is obtained, but information security and vendor confidentiality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent information completenessVSAvoidinformation security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary component configuration information from the device logs that is needed for failure diagnosis, without accessing or storing complete vendor inventory information. The system selectively extracts component names, versions, and change status from logs, obtaining sufficient information for monitoring while leaving the complete vendor database untouched and confidential

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11936526B2Network apparatus information management device and network apparatus information management method

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

The network device information management apparatus includes: a log data acquisition unit configured to acquire log data from each of the plurality of devices, the log data including information about components of the plurality of devices; and an inventory information estimation unit configured to exclude a common portion of the log data before and after registration of the component to extract a component configuration indicating information about the component newly registered to the device, compare the extracted component configuration with the component configuration extracted from a component registered to another device, estimate the common portion as inventory information, and store the estimated inventory information in storage means.