Storage Area Network Configuration Comparison via Tree Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage area network management technologies lack the ability to compare different configurations over time, making it difficult for administrators to track changes, identify issues, and optimize network performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for comparing storage area network configurations by importing configuration files into trees, performing unordered comparisons, and generating difference files to report changes, allowing administrators to visualize and analyze configuration changes across different points in time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional storage area network management technologies are used, then basic network management functions are provided, but the ability to compare different configurations over time is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration comparison capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration change tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing configuration snapshots at different points in time before changes occur. These snapshots are stored and later compared to detect configuration changes, enabling proactive identification of issues before they affect network operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of configuration data at different time points. These configuration snapshots are stored as separate data structures that can be compared against each other to identify changes, allowing administrators to track configuration evolution over time without affecting the live network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration changes are made without comparison capability, then network adaptability is improved, but difficulty in identifying issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidissue identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by automatically comparing current configuration snapshots with historical ones and generating reports that highlight changes. This feedback mechanism enables administrators to understand the impact of configuration changes and identify potential issues that may arise from adaptability efforts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration comparison methods with automated computer-based comparison mechanisms. The system automatically detects configuration changes, generates difference reports, and presents them in a structured format, eliminating the need for manual analysis and reducing the difficulty of issue identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual configuration tracking is used, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption for analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking system complexityVSAvoidconfiguration analysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing, storing, and comparing configuration snapshots without requiring manual intervention. The automated comparison process generates reports of configuration changes, eliminating the need for administrators to manually track and analyze configuration evolution, thereby reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration tracking with automated computer-based systems that continuously monitor and compare configuration data. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual analysis while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured data storage and automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7606889B1Methods and systems for comparing storage area network configurations

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for comparing configurations of a storage area network are disclosed. A first configuration file and a second configuration file, each representing the configuration of a storage area network, are imported into a first configuration tree and a second configuration tree. An unordered comparison is then performed on the configuration trees. The unordered comparison produces a difference file that identifies changes in the configurations of the storage area networks. The configuration trees may be each processed into comparison trees before the unordered comparison is performed. The unordered comparison may produce two results files, one corresponding to the first comparison tree and the other corresponding to the second comparison tree; these may be combined to create the difference file. The identified changes in the difference file or in the results files may then be reported to a storage area network manager or administrator.