Network Device Multi-Interface Management via Shared Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer network devices with multiple user interfaces face challenges in supporting flexible and consistent configuration and monitoring due to hierarchical and inflexible translation approaches, making it time-consuming and expensive to add support for additional user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a computer network device with multiple user interfaces and a shared messaging module that translates commands into a common format, allowing messages from different interfaces to be indistinguishable and routed via a single communication path, enabling flexible and consistent management without relying on a specific data model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hierarchical translation approach is used where commands from remaining user interfaces are translated into commands associated with a base user interface, then a single base user interface can be supported, but the system becomes inflexible and it is time-consuming and expensive to add support for additional user interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent configuration and monitoringVSAvoidflexibility to add new user interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal message translation framework where a single translation module can handle multiple user interfaces through a common message format. Instead of creating dedicated translation logic for each interface pair, the system uses a universal approach where all interfaces translate to a common internal representation, enabling any interface to be added without modifying existing translation chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a common message format as an intermediary layer between different user interfaces and the base interface. This intermediary standardizes the translation process by requiring all interfaces to convert their commands to the common format before execution, eliminating the need for direct pairwise translations and simplifying the addition of new interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If configuration parameters are specified in a predefined order of the base-user-interface data model, then hierarchical structure is maintained, but it becomes cumbersome and inconvenient for remaining interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehierarchical data model structureVSAvoidconvenience of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into two independent parts: the common message format that maintains hierarchical structure for data organization, and the user interface layer that provides flexible parameter specification. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific purpose without constraining the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring user interfaces to conform to the base interface's data model order, the patent inverts the approach by having the translation module adapt the common message format to match the base interface requirements. This reversal places the adaptation burden on the translation layer rather than on the user interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple user interfaces are supported concurrently, then management flexibility is improved, but the complexity of maintaining consistent configuration and monitoring across all interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of supported user interfacesVSAvoidcomplexity of message translation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the translation logic for multiple user interfaces into a single translation module that handles all interfaces through a common message format. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by eliminating redundant translation code and providing a unified approach to interface management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12182640B2Flexible communication-device management via multiple user interfaces

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 RUCKUS IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A computer network device (such as an access point, a switch or a router) that has multiple user interfaces is described. During operation, the computer network device may execute program instructions for the user interfaces and a shared messaging module, where a given user interface includes an agent corresponding to an application. When a message associated with the application is received via a user interface in the user interfaces, the corresponding agent in the user interface may extract a command or operation from the message. Then, the shared messaging module may translate the command or operation into a common format of the application. Moreover, the shared messaging module may provide (or route) the translated command or operation addressed to the application via a single communication path associated with the application and the agents for the application in the user interfaces.