Network Service Configuration Management via Intermediary Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP address management systems are cumbersome and costly due to the need for replacing existing DNS and DHCP software, and they require extensive manual processes, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially when managing complex networks with disparate resources.
Innovation Solution
A network service configuration management system that includes a management server, database, and agent software component, allowing for remote management of network services by synchronizing configuration representations between the database and native language configurations using a different language, enabling efficient communication and reducing the need for native language handling by the management server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing DNS and DHCP software products are replaced with specific software able to communicate with IP management software, then centralized IP address management is achieved, but implementation becomes tedious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the existing DNS/DHCP software and the IP management software. This intermediary translates and facilitates communication between incompatible systems, allowing centralized management without requiring replacement of existing software products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface layer that can work with multiple different DNS and DHCP software products simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the IP management system to communicate with various existing software through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for product-specific replacements.
2Reliability
If manual IP administration tasks are performed, then security and confidentiality can be preserved through multiple profiles, but extensive IT resources and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service mechanisms where the system automatically manages IP address assignments, DNS updates, and configuration synchronizations. This automation maintains security through embedded profile-based access controls while eliminating the need for extensive manual administrative intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where the IP management software continuously monitors and synchronizes configuration data between the database and the actual DNS/DHCP services. This automated feedback mechanism ensures security policies are enforced while reducing manual administrative workload.
3Ease of operation
If configuration synchronization is performed between database and native language configuration, then remote management capability is achieved, but communication complexity increases due to language differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration intermediary layer that translates between the database configuration language and the native configuration language of DNS/DHCP services. This intermediary handles the language translation automatically, enabling remote management without requiring the management server to directly handle multiple native languages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration management system into distinct layers: a language-agnostic database layer, a translation intermediary layer, and service-specific native language layers. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently, simplifying remote management while handling language complexity in isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
The system remotely manages the configuration of one or several network services (20). The management server (10) has access to a database (12) which stores a representation of the configuration of the network service (20). An agent software component (18)—running preferably on the network device providing the managed service (20)—has access to the configuration in the native language of the network service (20). The management server (10) and the agent software component (18) communicate synchronization information to each other and synchronize the representation of the configuration of the network service in the database (12) and the native language configuration of the network service (20) with each other based on the synchronization information. The synchronization information is in a language different from the native language of the configuration of the network service.