Automated Network Map Verification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of network maps in data centers makes manual verification of device connections and configurations slow, costly, and prone to errors, leading to undetected issues that are difficult and expensive to troubleshoot.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatic verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices, which accesses and compares validation rules with the map, generating a report to ensure correctness and consistency of device and connection attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification of network maps is performed, then verification can be done with human judgment, but the process is slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to validate network maps against stored rules, eliminating the need for human technicians to manually check each connection and device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service verification where the network map automatically validates itself against predefined rules and constraints, allowing organizations to perform repeated checks without external assistance
2Reliability
If manual verification of network maps is performed, then human expertise can be applied, but the process is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human manual verification with an automated computer-based validation system that eliminates human errors in checking network map connections, device configurations, and cable mappings
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback by comparing the network map against stored validation rules and reporting discrepancies, ensuring that errors are detected and corrected before network deployment
3Loss of information
If network maps are made detailed to capture all connections and configurations, then completeness is improved, but the complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex network map validation into manageable components by storing validation rules in a structured database format, allowing the system to process and verify different aspects of the network map (devices, connections, cables, configurations) separately and systematically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation system that acts as a mediator between the complex network map data and the verification process, using stored rules and algorithms to simplify the validation of complex network configurations
4Loss of information
If detailed network maps are created, then all connections can be documented, but manual verification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification operations with automated computer-based validation that systematically checks all documented connections and configurations against stored rules, making the verification process easier and more consistent
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the network map to self-validate by automatically comparing documented connections and configurations against predefined validation rules, eliminating the need for manual verification efforts
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for automatic verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices. In one method embodiment, the present invention accesses a machine-readable map. Additionally, validation rules are accessed in a machine-readable format. A validation step is performed, wherein the validation step comprises comparing the validation rules in machine-readable format with the machine-readable map. A report of a result of the validation step is then generated. In so doing, a verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices occurs automatically.