Network Inventory Device for Automated Data Center Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inventorying devices in data centers or networks are manual, error-prone, and lack a standard mechanism for authentication, making it impractical to obtain unique identifying information about devices, especially as the number of devices increases, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and inaccurate tracking.
Innovation Solution
A hardware device is introduced that sits between devices and the network, intercepting and forwarding traffic while providing automated inventory information upon request, using a single API or protocol to query devices regardless of type or manufacturer, facilitating consistent and complete inventory management and security awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inventory tracking is used, then device information can be recorded, but accuracy and timeliness deteriorate due to human errors and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The monitored device automatically provides its own inventory information (device ID, hostname, IP address, etc.) when queried by the network device, eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring accurate, up-to-date inventory records
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (administrators physically logging into devices and entering data) with automated electronic querying and information exchange protocols between network devices and monitored devices
2Loss of information
If individual authentication with each device is performed, then device information can be obtained, but time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network device implements a universal querying mechanism that can obtain inventory information from multiple different device types (routers, switches, servers, etc.) using a single standardized protocol, eliminating the need for device-specific authentication procedures for each inventory query
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple inventory data points (device ID, hostname, IP address, location, etc.) into a single unified inventory record, allowing comprehensive device information to be retrieved through one query rather than multiple separate authentication and data collection processes
3Productivity
If standardized authentication protocol is implemented, then querying efficiency improves, but compatibility with diverse devices may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inventory information retrieval process into distinct components: a standardized querying protocol for efficient communication, and flexible information fields that can accommodate different device types and manufacturers, allowing the system to maintain both efficiency and compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for a network identification device and its integration with other applications. The network identification device can include a number of components, such as a first network interface, a second network interface, a processor, and a memory. A profile that represents a computing device communicatively coupled to the first network interface may be stored in the memory. Machine readable instructions may also be stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions may cause the network identification device to process a request for the profile received from a second computing device via the second network interface. The machine readable instructions may also cause the network identification device to send the profile to the second computing device via the second network interface.