Network Management Apparatus Dynamic MIB Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems face difficulties in managing devices dynamically added to a network, particularly due to differences in Management Information Base (MIB) structures and OID systems, which complicates the standardization and management of devices with varying types and purposes.
Innovation Solution
A network management apparatus and method that dynamically extends the existing MIB by creating a virtual object with a serial number for newly connected devices, redefining their OID based on connection time, allowing for seamless integration and differentiation without conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices with different MIB structures are connected to the network, then device diversity and functionality are improved, but management complexity and OID system conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network management apparatus as an intermediary between the manager and diverse devices. This apparatus dynamically extends the MIB and handles OID translation, mediating between the standardized management system and heterogeneous devices with different MIB structures, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining device diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the MIB structure by adding virtual objects and modifying OID assignments based on device connection. The system adapts parameters such as OID values and MIB hierarchy to accommodate new devices, allowing the management structure to evolve with network changes without increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MIB structure is extended to accommodate new devices, then adaptability to dynamic networks is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIB structure by creating virtual objects that represent dynamically connected devices. Instead of modifying the entire MIB structure, the system isolates dynamic device representations in separate virtual object containers, reducing the complexity impact of MIB extensions while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic MIB extension mechanism where the management apparatus automatically adjusts the MIB structure in response to device connections and disconnections. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle changing network conditions without permanent structural complexity increases
3Ease of operation
If standard MIB operations (get, getNext, set) are used to manage diverse devices, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and device-specific control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of device-specific MIB objects within the standardized MIB structure. These virtual objects mirror the actual device attributes and allow standard SNMP operations to access device-specific information with the same precision as native device operations, maintaining both ease of operation and measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A network management apparatus and method are provided to easily manage devices that are dynamically added to a network and yet maintain an existing network management structure. The network management apparatus includes a device connection management unit which determines whether to extend a predetermined management information base (MIB) according to an object identifier (OID) of a device connected to a network, and a virtual MIB connection unit which creates an object ‘virtual’ in the predetermined MIB according to the determination results provided by the device connection management unit, creates a virtual object for the device under the object ‘virtual’, assigns a serial number to the virtual object for the device according to a time in which the device has been connected to the network, and redefines the OID of the device according to the serial number.