Vendor-Independent Network Switch Management via SNMP Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network switch management systems require multiple vendor-specific management software applications to be installed on client computers, making it difficult to manage devices from different manufacturers in a unified and vendor-independent manner.

Innovation Solution

A system with a management controller connected via SNMP interface, capable of receiving and parsing MIB files to establish communication with network switches, allowing remote management and configuration through an out-of-band network, using existing SNMP client applications and providing a user interface for administrators to manage and configure network switches independently of vendors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vendor-specific management software applications are installed on client computers, then network switches from different vendors can be managed, but device complexity and administrative complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manage network switches from different vendorsVSAvoidnumber of management software applications required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management controller is designed to perform multiple management functions for network switches from different vendors through a single unified interface. The controller includes a processor that can execute multiple management applications and a communication interface that supports multiple protocols, allowing one device to replace what previously required multiple separate applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The management controller acts as an intermediary between the administrator and the network switches. It receives management requests from the administrator, translates them into vendor-specific commands, and communicates with the appropriate network switches. This mediator approach allows vendor-specific management capabilities to be accessed through a unified interface without requiring multiple client applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vendor-specific management software applications are installed, then comprehensive management capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement capability across different vendorsVSAvoidsimplicity of managing network switches

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The management controller provides a universal management platform that handles multiple vendor protocols and switch types through a single interface. The processor is configured to execute multiple management applications, and the communication interface supports multiple protocols, allowing administrators to manage different vendors' switches without learning multiple different software applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple vendor-specific management applications into a single integrated management controller. The controller merges the functionality of what would otherwise be separate applications into one unified system, allowing administrators to access all management capabilities through a single point of control rather than switching between multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a unified management approach is used, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to different vendors may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of management interfaceVSAvoidability to handle vendor-specific protocols

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The management controller serves as an intermediary that translates between the unified management interface and vendor-specific protocols. When the administrator sends a management request through the unified interface, the controller's processor translates it into the appropriate vendor-specific commands and communicates with the network switch using the correct protocol, thus maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The management controller segments the management functionality into distinct components: a unified user interface layer, a protocol translation layer, and vendor-specific communication layers. This segmentation allows the interface to remain simple and unified while the underlying layers handle vendor-specific protocols independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10833914B2Device or vendor independent network switch management via embedded management controller stack

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 AMERICAN MEGATRENDS

AI summary

Certain aspects direct to systems and methods for device or vendor independent network switch management on a management controller. The management controller is communicatively connected to a network switch through a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface. The management controller receives parsed information of a management information base (MIB) file corresponding to the network switch, and establishes a communication between the management controller and the network switch through the SNMP interface based on the parsed information of the MIB file, in which the management controller functions as a client and the network switch functions as a server of the communication. Then the management controller receives an input to manage and configure the network switch, and manages and configures the network switch via the communication through the SNMP interface based on the input and the parsed information of the MIB file.