Network Management Device for Disparate Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems are inadequate for managing complex networks comprising disparate electronic devices, especially non-traditional networks, as they struggle with device variability, require extensive custom programming, and lack integration with enterprise databases and security systems, leading to high maintenance costs and false positive failure reporting.
Innovation Solution
A management device and method that automates device discovery and configuration, using dynamic applications to manage devices across traditional and non-traditional networks, integrating with enterprise systems for efficient data collection and control, and providing self-configuration capabilities to reduce maintenance and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network management systems are used to manage complex networks with disparate devices, then device management capability is provided, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management system that can handle multiple device types (traditional network devices, non-traditional devices, databases) through a single integrated platform. The system uses common data structures and management protocols to unify diverse device management, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each device category and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (management system with standardized interfaces) between disparate devices and enterprise systems. This intermediary handles device discovery, data collection, and protocol translation, allowing complex device variability to be managed through a single mediation point rather than requiring direct integration with each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom programming is implemented to manage device variability, then device management flexibility is improved, but development time and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages device variability by changing parameters within a standardized framework rather than writing custom code for each device. The system uses configurable parameters, templates, and metadata to adapt to different device types, allowing flexibility to be achieved through parameter configuration rather than programming, thereby reducing development and maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary device discovery and classification that automatically identifies device types and configures appropriate management parameters before actual management operations begin. This pre-configuration approach eliminates the need for manual custom programming by preparing standardized management templates in advance based on automatic device identification.
3Loss of information
If extensive integration with enterprise systems is implemented, then comprehensive network oversight is achieved, but system complexity and false positive reporting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integration architecture into distinct modular components (device discovery module, data collection module, analysis module, reporting module) that can be independently configured and optimized. This segmentation allows comprehensive data collection from enterprise systems while isolating false positive generation to specific modules, making it easier to tune and reduce false positives without sacrificing oversight completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where management data is continuously analyzed and used to refine detection thresholds and algorithms. The system learns from historical data to distinguish true anomalies from normal variations, reducing false positives while maintaining comprehensive oversight. Feedback loops allow the system to adapt to enterprise-specific patterns and reduce spurious alerts over time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, software, and methods for managing traditional (i.e., TCP/IP-based), non-traditional, and traditional-non-traditional hybrid networks of connected electronic devices are described. In one example, network management policy and network management applications are downloaded automatically upon detection and identification of a new device, application or service on a network. In another example, information related to at least one aspect of the network is obtained by a network management device through connection to a non-TCP/IP network, or by way of a gateway device or application, at least one applicable management policy is identified, and the identified policy is used to manage at least one aspect of the network's operation. In another example, devices, applications or services presenting various behaviors under various scenarios are evaluated and placed under management.