Network device information collection and change detection
US6122639A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99944
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Mechanisms for network device information collection and change detection are disclosed. A data Collection Engine is coupled to a database and a network having comprising devices such as switches and routers. The Collection Engine receives a network device name and queries the network to locate the named device. Based upon a device type identifier, the Collection Engine identifies the class of the device and a group of information sets that describe information needed from the device. The Collection Engine requests information described by the information sets and stores it in the database. A change detection mechanism compares the received information to a prior version in the database, and develops metadata describing changes in the versions. Accordingly, only a subset of all the information that a device can deliver is received and stored, based on the needs of an application using the mechanisms. A carrier wave may carry software program instructions that carry out the foregoing functions from a remote location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.