SOAP Alert Notification for Remote Agent Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system management tools face challenges in reliably discovering, managing, and configuring remote agents across firewalls, proxy servers, and virtual private networks (VPNs) due to the limitations of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) in such environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a SOAP-based alert notification system that allows agents to send notifications to managers, enabling effective management and configuration of remote agents through a single management console, even across firewalls and VPNs, using web services and SOAP protocol for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SNMP is used for remote device management, then standardization and ease of operation are improved, but reliability deteriorates in the presence of firewalls, proxy servers, or VPNs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) as an intermediary communication layer between agents and managers. SOAP messages can be encapsulated within HTTP requests, which can traverse firewalls, proxy servers, and VPNs that block traditional SNMP traffic. This intermediary approach allows alert notifications to be reliably delivered across diverse network architectures without requiring direct SNMP access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameter from SNMP to SOAP/HTTP. This parameter change enables the system to operate reliably in environments where SNMP is blocked, as HTTP traffic is generally permitted through firewalls and proxy servers. The alert notification mechanism transitions from UDP-based SNMP traps to TCP-based SOAP messages, fundamentally changing how communications traverse the network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If SOAP-based notification is implemented, then reliability across firewalls and VPNs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the management system universal by implementing SOAP-based notifications that can operate across multiple network architectures (direct networks, firewalled networks, VPNs, proxy servers). The same SOAP infrastructure handles all communication scenarios, eliminating the need for separate SNMP configurations for different network types. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity despite the underlying technical sophistication.
Solution Approach 2:
The agent automatically generates and sends SOAP-based alert notifications without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system self-adapts to network conditions by using SOAP messages that can traverse various network barriers autonomously, reducing the complexity of manual network configuration and management.
3Ease of operation
If centralized management console is used, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to penetrate firewalls and proxy servers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses SOAP as an intermediary protocol that enables the centralized management console to communicate with remote agents through firewalls and proxy servers. SOAP messages can be embedded within HTTP requests, which are commonly permitted through network security devices. This allows the management console to maintain centralized control while reliably penetrating network barriers that would block traditional management protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for alert notification is provided. A Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) based alert notification is sent from one or more agents, and the SOAP based alert notification(s) is received at a manager.