USB2SNMP Bridging for Secure Local Printer Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting meter, supply, and service data from locally connected printers and copiers are costly, inefficient, and insecure, as they often require manual data collection, are slow, and expose devices to network security risks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a USB2SNMP component, USB network adapter, and Ethernet cable to facilitate communication between an end-user computer and locally connected office devices, enabling automated and secure data collection through SNMP requests and responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data collection by physically visiting every device is used, then data can be collected from locally connected devices, but it is expensive to dispatch employees and data collection is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (USB-to-Ethernet adapter with SNMP support) that acts as a bridge between the locally connected printer and the networked environment. This intermediary enables automated data collection without requiring physical access to each device, resolving the contradiction by providing both reliable data collection and high productivity through automated periodic sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where the printer itself provides the data through SNMP protocols when queried by the intermediary. The printer's built-in SNMP agent allows automated data retrieval without manual intervention, eliminating the need for employee dispatch while maintaining data reliability.
2Productivity
If network switch is installed to convert locally connected printer to networked printer, then automated data collection is possible, but network switches are expensive and create security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-to-Ethernet adapter serves as a controlled intermediary that provides network connectivity only for data collection purposes. It maintains the printer's local connection while adding limited network functionality, avoiding the security risks of full network integration while enabling automated data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution provides localized network functionality only where needed (at the printer location through the USB-to-Ethernet adapter) rather than implementing a full network switch infrastructure. This localized approach enables automated data collection without exposing the entire network to security risks.
3Productivity
If USB network adapter is used with USB2SNMP component, then cost-effective and secure automated data collection is achieved, but requires forwarding SNMP requests through software component
Solution Approach 1:
The USB2SNMP software component provides universal SNMP functionality across different USB-to-Ethernet adapters and printer models. By implementing a standardized SNMP protocol handler, it manages the complexity internally while presenting a simple automated data collection interface to users, resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for communicating with locally connected printers and copiers are disclosed. Such systems comprise a USB2SNMP component (on an end-user computer) that forwards SNMP data-collection requests from a data-collection component to a printer locally connected to the end-user computer. The printer responds by sending data to the USB2SNMP component for forwarding to the data-collection component.