Network Management Assisted Discovery Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device discovery mechanisms in communication networks are limited, as devices with different or incompatible discovery protocols cannot discover each other, restricting intercommunication.
Innovation Solution
A network management method and apparatus that performs device discovery by gathering information from devices using one protocol and sending it to devices with another protocol, allowing configuration for communication, effectively simulating the missing protocol to enable inter-device communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices use different discovery protocols, then each device can operate with its own protocol, but devices cannot discover or communicate with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network management server as an intermediary that mediates between devices using different discovery protocols. The server receives discovery information from one device, translates it into the format of another protocol, and forwards it to the target device. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling cross-protocol discovery without requiring devices to support multiple protocols themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of protocol format by translating discovery information between different protocol formats. The network management server converts discovery data from one protocol's parameter structure into another protocol's parameter structure, allowing devices with different protocol parameters to exchange discovery information effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices support multiple discovery protocols, then inter-device discovery is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using the network management server as an intermediary, individual devices only need to support their native discovery protocol. The complexity of supporting multiple protocols is shifted from the devices to the server, which has the capability to translate between different protocol formats. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining device simplicity while achieving protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management server performs multiple functions: it acts as a discovery agent for CDP devices, an RMON device for SNMP devices, and a protocol translator. This universal approach allows the server to handle multiple protocol types without requiring each individual network device to support all protocols, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for network management assisted discovery, includes performing a discovery of network devices in a network; and sending gathered information associated with a first device that supports a first discovery protocol to a second device that supports a second discovery protocol. In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for network management assisted discovery, includes a management computer configured to perform a discovery of network devices in a network, and to send gathered information associated with a first device that supports a first discovery protocol to a second device that supports a second discovery protocol.