Network Port Calendar-Based Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switch management methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inflexible, particularly in environments with mixed working hours, as they require manual intervention to disconnect or reconnect ports, leading to security concerns and productivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically managing network ports based on a programmable calendar function, using a discovery protocol to identify ports, a management protocol to control access, and a reconfiguration protocol to adjust settings according to a scheduled calendar, allowing remote and real-time management of port access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an administrator manually disconnects the port from the network, then network security is improved, but administrative workload and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing calendar-based access rules in advance. The network switch is pre-configured with calendar data structures that automatically enforce access control based on scheduled times, eliminating the need for manual administrative intervention during access control events.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch autonomously monitors calendar data structures and automatically connects or disconnects ports based on scheduled access rules without requiring administrator intervention. The system serves itself by automatically enforcing security policies based on time-of-day, day-of-week, or custom calendar events.
2Reliability
If an administrator manually covers or disconnects the port, then unauthorized access is prevented, but flexibility and user productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static physical port blocking with dynamic, time-based access control. The network switch automatically adjusts port connectivity based on calendar schedules, allowing flexible access during authorized time periods while maintaining security during unauthorized periods. This dynamic approach adapts to changing user needs without physical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of port connectivity from a fixed physical state to a time-dependent variable state. By modifying the operational parameters of the network switch based on calendar data structures, the system enables flexible access control that can be adjusted through software configuration rather than physical port manipulation.
3Reliability
If the network switch is physically covered or disconnected, then security is improved, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical physical port blocking methods with electronic/software-based calendar scheduling. Instead of physically covering or disconnecting ports, the network switch uses calendar data structures and automated protocols to control access electronically, eliminating the need for manual physical intervention and reducing management complexity.
4Reliability
If manual port disconnection is implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but user productivity and working hour flexibility are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures calendar-based access rules that automatically accommodate user working hours and schedules. By establishing access patterns in advance through calendar scheduling, the system ensures continuous network availability during authorized working hours without requiring reactive administrative intervention, thereby maintaining user productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for automatically managing a network port based on a calendar function. In one embodiment, a discovery protocol is provided for automatically discovering at least one port of at least one switch in a network. Furthermore, a management protocol is provided. The management protocol is configured to automatically manage the at least one port of the at least one switch in the network based on a programmable calendar function. In addition, a reconfiguration protocol is also provided. The reconfiguration protocol is configured to reconfigure the calendar function of the automatic management of the at least one port of the at least one switch in the network.