SNMP MIB Compilation for Event Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network management systems (NMS) face difficulties in decoding and utilizing SNMP columnar varbind index values, which are essential for event correlation and description, often requiring detailed MIB information not readily available, leading to limitations in user interface functionality and event correlation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves receiving and compiling SNMP MIB definition files to store notification varbind and columnar index information, allowing for the generation of user interfaces that decode and use index values in event descriptions and correlation rules, eliminating the need for custom code and enabling non-expert users to configure event correlations through graphical interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If detailed MIB information is required to decode SNMP columnar varbind index values, then decoding accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-compiles MIB definition files into a compiled MIB file that contains pre-processed and ready-to-use index value mappings. This preliminary compilation action eliminates the need for real-time MIB parsing during event correlation, reducing system complexity while maintaining decoding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a compiled MIB file as an intermediary data structure between the raw SNMP notifications and the event correlation logic. This intermediary contains pre-decoded index values that bridge the gap between detailed MIB information and operational simplicity, allowing accurate decoding without complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom code is required to configure event correlations, then configuration flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the network management system to self-configure event correlations by automatically generating configuration rules from the compiled MIB file and received SNMP notifications. The system creates and manages its own configuration without requiring user-written custom code, maintaining flexibility while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of writing and executing custom programming code with an automated configuration generation mechanism. The system substitutes manual software development with automated rule creation based on pre-compiled MIB data and incoming notifications, making the system easier to operate while preserving configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If MIB compilation is performed manually, then configuration precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated MIB compilation where the system automatically processes MIB definition files and generates the compiled MIB file without manual intervention. This self-service compilation maintains configuration precision through automated parsing and processing while significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual compilation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual MIB compilation processes with automated computer-based compilation. The system automatically transforms MIB definition files into compiled MIB files, replacing manual configuration work with automated processing that maintains precision while dramatically increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9602336B2Configurable network management system event processing using simple network management table indices

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises receiving a simple network management protocol (SNMP) management information base (MIB) definition file; identifying in the MIB definition file one or more SNMP notification varbinds and associated notification varbind information; storing in a compiled MIB file for each of the varbinds: notification varbind info and columnar index info; causing generating a user interface having values based on the compiled MIB file; receiving user input selecting values and setting one or more network management system (NMS) event descriptions or event correlation rules; creating a NMS configuration file that is configured to cause the NMS at runtime to include and use the event descriptions or event correlation rules, and the compiled MIB file, in SNMP notification configuration or event correlation functions of the network management logic. As a result, descriptive data relating to SNMP notification columnar objects becomes available for use in graphical user interface data display panels in event descriptions and in event correlation rules and processes without users or administrators having to learn a special language or API or use a special NMS configuration file format.