Network Element Detection via Polling and Protocol Database
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems are inadequate in detecting and maintaining an inventory of various network elements across different types and manufacturers, as they only support specific types and manufacturers, making it difficult to manage complex networks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a polling engine to generate and send polling commands to network elements, retrieves their identifiers, and uses a database to determine and obtain communication protocols for retrieving information, which is then stored, supporting all types of network elements by updating the database with new protocols automatically when unknown identifiers are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing network management applications are used to provide network discovery, then certain types and manufacturers of network devices can be detected, but the system cannot support all types of network elements from different manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection system that can identify and manage multiple types of network elements from different manufacturers through a single unified interface. The system uses a standardized polling command structure that works across diverse device types, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for each device category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary layer between the detection system and network elements. This database stores communication protocols and device information, acting as a mediator that translates between the universal polling commands and device-specific response formats, enabling broad compatibility without increasing system complexity.
2Loss of information
If a polling command is sent to retrieve network element information, then device identifiers can be obtained, but additional steps are required to retrieve detailed network element information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first retrieving the device identifier through a polling command, then using this identifier to look up the appropriate communication protocol in the database before retrieving detailed information. This staged approach ensures that information is retrieved efficiently in the correct sequence, minimizing unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the device identifier response to determine the next appropriate action. The identifier retrieved from the polling command serves as feedback that triggers the database lookup, which in turn determines the specific protocol needed for retrieving detailed information, creating an efficient feedback-driven information retrieval process.
3Reliability
If network element information is stored in a database, then an inventory can be maintained, but the database must be continuously updated with new communication protocols for unknown device identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting unknown device identifiers and autonomously retrieving their communication protocols from external sources, then storing these protocols in the database for future use. This self-updating capability maintains inventory accuracy without requiring manual intervention to add support for new device types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting network information. The method involves generating a polling command and issuing the polling command to a network element. A network element identifier generated by the network element is received in response to the polling command. A database is accessed and it is determined whether the network element identifier is present in the database. A communication protocol is obtained for the network element in response to accessing the database. The communication protocol is used to retrieve network element information from the network element. The network element information is stored in the database.