Network Management Data Retrieval Parallelism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face significant delays in retrieving Management Information Base (MIB) data due to the serial nature of query/response processes, which can take several minutes per element, leading to unacceptable delays in managing complex networks with thousands of elements.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces parallel retrieval of network management data by assigning unique paths for responses using distinct source addresses or port assignments, allowing multiple queries to be processed concurrently without data commingling, thereby speeding up the data gathering process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial query/response process is used to retrieve MIB data from multiple network elements, then data integrity is maintained (responses do not become confused), but query/response time becomes unacceptably long (minutes per element)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single shared response path into multiple dedicated response paths, with each path assigned to a specific network element or agent. This is achieved by allocating unique destination port numbers or IP addresses for responses from different agents, allowing parallel query/response operations while maintaining data integrity through path isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensions to the response path identification by using port numbers or IP address combinations as unique identifiers for each agent's response path. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between responses from different agents simultaneously, enabling parallel processing without data confusion.
2Productivity
If parallel queries are sent to multiple agents simultaneously using shared response paths, then query throughput increases, but responses become commingled and corrupt the data-gathering process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared response path into multiple dedicated response paths, with each path uniquely assigned to a specific agent. This segmentation allows parallel queries to be sent simultaneously while ensuring that responses from different agents remain separated and identifiable, preventing data corruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces port numbers and IP address combinations as intermediary identifiers that mediate between the NMS and multiple agents. These intermediaries enable the system to distinguish and separate responses from different agents, allowing parallel data retrieval while maintaining data integrity.
3Reliability
If one query/response operation is completed sequentially before starting the next, then data from each element is clearly distinguished, but the total time to manage large networks becomes unacceptable (thousands of minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic sequential process into multiple parallel streams by allocating unique response paths for each agent. This allows the NMS to initiate and manage multiple query/response operations simultaneously, reducing total management time from thousands of minutes to a manageable duration while maintaining clear data distinction through path isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the NMS to send queries to multiple agents without waiting for individual responses to complete. The unique response paths ensure that ongoing parallel operations maintain data integrity, maximizing productivity while keeping the data-gathering process continuous rather than interruptive.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for, and method of, retrieving network management data in a network and a network management station incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) an information querier, associated with a network management station, that develops a query for at least some network management data from a target agent in the network and assigns a path for a response from the target agent that is unique to the target agent and (2) a response receiver, associated with the information querier, that receives, via the path, the response from the target agent containing the at least some the network management data.