Network Management Protocol Conversion to Markup Language
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing network routers with multiple protocols and interfaces is complex due to the need for separate backend processes and updates across CLI, SNMP, and XML management interfaces, leading to increased complexity and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts network management protocol requests into markup language representation using an instrumentation module to generate XML tags and content, enabling unified backend processing through a centralized configuration manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate backend processes are maintained for all management applications and protocols (CLI, SNMP, XML), then each protocol can be fully supported, but device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol-specific backend processes into a single unified backend process that handles CLI, SNMP, and XML requests through a common configuration database interface, eliminating the need for separate maintenance routines for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The unified backend process is designed to perform multiple functions by accepting requests from different management protocols and translating them into a common internal representation, allowing one process to serve multiple protocol interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If the router supports numerous protocols and control applications, then network management capability is enhanced, but configuration management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unified configuration database as an intermediary layer between multiple management protocols and the router's configuration data, providing a single point of access that simplifies configuration management while supporting numerous protocols
3Ease of operation
If multiple management interfaces (CLI, SNMP, XML) access the configuration database, then management flexibility is improved, but maintaining recognition of all interface commands becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management interface functionality by separating the protocol-specific command parsing from the configuration database access, allowing each protocol interface to be maintained independently while sharing a common backend processing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided to convert network management protocol request into a markup language representation. In one embodiment, the present invention includes receiving a network management protocol request at a network device, generating a plurality of markup language tags and content embedded in the markup language tags based on the received request, and responding to the request using the plurality of markup language tags and content embedded in the markup language tags using a unified backend interface. In one embodiment, routines used to generate the plurality of markup language tags and content are generated automatically using an instrumentation module.