Remote Controller Firmware Upgrade for Network Node Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote management systems for network devices are limited in their ability to uniformly manage nodes from different vendors and hardware versions, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities, such as inconsistent feature sets and lack of advanced cloud-based features, which can render networks unusable and increase management costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identifies nodes by characterizing parameters like vendor, model, hardware version, and firmware version, and upgrades them with specific controller firmwares to implement a uniform set of features and managing procedures, allowing seamless management of nodes from multiple vendors without the need for proprietary protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized remote management systems use proprietary protocols for each vendor, then management efficiency is improved, but vendor lock-in and device compatibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management architecture where a single remote management system can manage network devices from multiple vendors through a common protocol interface. The system uses an abstraction layer that translates vendor-specific device operations into standardized management commands, enabling one system to perform multiple vendor management functions without proprietary lock-in.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (management agent or translation layer) that sits between the remote management system and diverse network devices. This intermediary translates between the standardized management protocol and vendor-specific device protocols, allowing efficient centralized management while maintaining compatibility with various device types and vendors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network devices use different firmware versions and hardware specifications, then device functionality is improved, but uniform management and feature consistency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts management parameters and configuration commands based on the specific firmware version and hardware capabilities of each device. The system queries device parameters, identifies the device type, and automatically selects appropriate management procedures and feature sets, enabling uniform management interface while supporting diverse device functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the management approach to each device's specific characteristics. While maintaining a uniform management interface, the system adapts the actual management operations, configuration commands, and feature availability to match each device's firmware version and hardware capabilities, ensuring both uniformity and functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced cloud-based features are added to extend feature sets, then network functionality is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends device functionality by adding a cloud-based management dimension. Instead of embedding all advanced features directly in device firmware, the system moves complex functionalities to the cloud layer, where they can be delivered as services. This allows enhanced network functionality while keeping individual devices relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system (10) of remote management in a network (2, 100), the network (2, 100) comprising a plurality of nodes (110) to be managed by a remote controller (1), the nodes (110) having each at least one characterizing parameter corresponding to any of predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter, said at least one characterizing parameter being selected from the group consisting of: vendor, model, hardware version, firmware version, chipset type, wherein: the remote controller (1) identify the nodes (110), including identification of said at least one characterizing parameter; the remote controller (1) accesses a database (14) comprising said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter associated with respective upgrade procedures and controller firmwares, specific for each instance of said at least one characterizing parameters, the controller firmwares implementing a uniform set of features among the nodes (110) and enabling the nodes (110) to be managed by the remote controller (1) by means of a uniform set of managing procedures; for each identified node (110), the remote controller (1) retrieves from said database (14) the specific upgrade procedure and the specific controller firmware, which are associated in said database (14) with the instance corresponding to said at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node (110); the remote controller (1) executes, for each identified node (110), the retrieved specific upgrade procedure for loading the retrieved specific controller firmware onto the node (110). After the specific controller firmwares are loaded onto the respective nodes (110), the remote controller (1) manages the nodes (110), according to the uniform set of features and by using the uniform set of managing procedures.