Programmable Network Intelligence for Legacy Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in efficiently managing network devices without native programmable interfaces, requiring manual and error-prone methods to update command definitions and support multiple device types, which is costly and impractical for existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically generates a programmable interface for network devices by creating a knowledge base of command syntax and semantics, predicting data structures, and transforming CLI commands into XML format conforming to NETCONF protocol, enabling automated configuration and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to update command definitions and add device support, then device compatibility can be maintained, but the process becomes slow and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically learning device commands through interaction with the device itself. The learning module sends test commands and analyzes device responses to autonomously build and update command definitions without requiring manual programming, thereby improving both accuracy and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of programming command definitions with an automated electronic learning system. The system uses algorithmic analysis of device responses to automatically generate command syntax and semantics, substituting human manual work with automated computational processes
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual programming is used to add support for new device commands, then existing device support remains stable, but ongoing software development efforts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, manually-updated command database to a dynamic, self-learning system. The learning module continuously adapts to new device commands by automatically analyzing device responses, enabling the NMS to evolve its command support capabilities without requiring manual intervention for each new device type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a learning module as an intermediary between the NMS and network devices. This module automatically learns and translates device-specific commands into NMS-compatible formats, serving as a mediator that enables seamless integration of new device types without disrupting existing NMS functionality
3Extent of automation
If programmable interfaces are built into devices, then automated configuration is enabled, but it becomes expensive and impractical for existing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a learning module as an intermediary between the NMS and network devices. This module automatically learns and translates device-specific commands into NMS-compatible formats, serving as a mediator that enables seamless integration of new device types without disrupting existing NMS functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the device's command interface through automated learning. By analyzing device responses and reconstructing command syntax and semantics, the system generates a software-based representation of the device interface that enables automated configuration without requiring physical programmable interface hardware
4Ease of operation
If CLI interface is used for network devices, then human operators can configure devices, but programs cannot efficiently control the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CLI interface universal by enabling it to serve dual purposes: maintaining human operability while simultaneously providing programmatic control capabilities. The automated learning system extracts structured command definitions from the CLI that can be interpreted by both human operators and software programs, making the interface multi-functional
Data Source
AI summary
Programmable network intelligence approaches as disclosed herein provide apparatus, methods and tools to achieve programmable interfaces to a device, or group of devices or a network where native programmable interfaces are not available.