Network Management Automation via Visual Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network management methods are cumbersome and inflexible, requiring manual commands and data retrieval for each device, making it difficult to automate tasks across diverse network devices from different vendors, and limiting the efficiency of tasks like neighbor checks and path analysis.
Innovation Solution
A visual network programming method and system that uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to create customizable network applications without scripting, allowing for automated management of network tasks by defining execution flows with graphical icons, which can handle different types of network devices and commands, and automatically retrieve and analyze data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commands and processes are used for each network device, then network management tasks can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the network management platform automatically retrieves data from multiple network devices using standardized protocols without requiring manual intervention for each device, thereby improving productivity while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal command interface that can interact with different types of network devices (routers, switches, firewalls) from various vendors through a single standardized protocol, eliminating the need for device-specific manual commands and enabling automated multi-device management
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard commands are used for all network devices, then automation is simplified, but compatibility across different device types and vendors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the network management platform) that translates between standardized commands and device-specific protocols. This mediator handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple unified interface to users, thereby improving adaptability without increasing perceived device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes command parameters based on the target device type and vendor. The platform automatically adjusts protocol parameters, command formats, and data structures to match the specific requirements of each network device being queried, enabling broad compatibility through parameter adaptation rather than fixed command sets
3Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific scripts are created for each network device type, then compatibility is improved, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a template-based system where a single standardized command template can be copied and applied to multiple different network device types. The platform automatically adapts the copied template to each device's specific requirements through parameter substitution, eliminating the need to create separate scripts for each device while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal application development environment where a single graphical interface design can manage multiple network device types simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows network professionals to create customized management solutions without dealing with device-specific scripting complexity, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for automating network management tasks associated with a computer network comprises retrieving (810) a device queue including a plurality of network devices of the computer network. Topological information associated with the plurality of network devices in the device queue is extracted (820). For each network device in the device queue, a network command customized for that network device based on a type of the network device is executed (830), and an execution flow associated with the network device is performed (840) based on the network command and the topological information.