Unified Network Monitoring for IP and Non-IP Device Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to monitor both IP networks and non-IP devices effectively when they are connected within a network system.

Innovation Solution

A network monitoring system and method that includes an IP network monitoring unit and a non-IP device monitoring unit, utilizing SDN technology to centrally manage network resources and perform detailed flow analysis, enabling comprehensive monitoring of both IP and non-IP devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional monitoring technique (PTL 1) is used, then IP network monitoring is achieved, but non-IP device monitoring capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple monitoring functions through a single unified platform. The system can monitor both IP networks (using protocols like SNMP, IPFIX, NetFlow) and non-IP devices (using proprietary protocols or custom agents), thereby achieving universal monitoring capability across diverse device types and network protocols without requiring separate monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate monitoring systems are used for IP networks and non-IP devices, then monitoring coverage is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines previously separate monitoring functions into a single integrated monitoring system. The system unifies IP network monitoring and non-IP device monitoring under one architecture, using a common data collection mechanism, centralized storage, and unified analysis platform. This merging reduces the number of separate systems needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage across both IP and non-IP devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3840298B1Network monitoring system, network monitoring method, and program

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

In the present disclosure, a network monitoring system is provided including an IP network monitoring unit (610) that monitors an IP network to which an IP device is connected; and a non-IP device monitoring unit (630) that monitors a non-IP device. It is possible to monitor both the IP network and the non-IP device in a system that includes the IP network including the IP device and the non-IP device.