Network Discovery Using Stateless Management Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenters face challenges in managing and scaling their network topology due to dynamic changes, requiring frequent reconfiguration and redeployment of management services, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for discovering managed systems in a network using stateless management objects, including agent management objects, proxy management objects, and satellite management objects, which classify systems using multiple network protocols, identify drivers for management information, and populate data models to manage systems effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If management services are located in specific static locations in the network topology, then management services can be provided, but frequent reconfiguration and redeployment are required when network topology changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic management service location selection by enabling management services to automatically discover and adapt to changing network topologies. Instead of being statically located, management services dynamically determine their operational location based on current network conditions, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when topology changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic discovery mechanisms where management services autonomously identify available systems and determine optimal management locations without human intervention. The services self-adjust to network changes by automatically detecting topology modifications and repositioning themselves accordingly, reducing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If datacenters scale to add additional computers and services, then performance increases, but management services must be re-configured and re-deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary discovery mechanisms that proactively identify and catalog systems before they are fully integrated into the network. By pre-establishing management relationships and configurations in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming reconfiguration when new systems are added, allowing seamless scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network topology changes and automatically triggers reconfiguration processes only when necessary. This feedback-driven approach ensures that management services adapt to scaling changes efficiently, minimizing downtime and reconfiguration effort while maintaining optimal performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple network protocols are used to classify managed systems, then system identification accuracy improves, but discovery process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system classification process into distinct phases, each utilizing specific network protocols for particular identification tasks. By dividing the discovery process into manageable stages with dedicated protocols for each stage, the system achieves high classification accuracy while keeping the complexity of individual steps manageable and organized.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discovering managed systems in a network including classifying a first managed system associated with a first active Internet Protocol (IP) address in the network using a plurality of network protocols, identifying a set of drivers using the classification, where the set of drivers are configured to obtain first management information about the managed system, obtaining a first set of drivers, populating a data model with the first management information obtain using at least one of the first set of drivers, and managing the first managed system using the data model.