System and method for network auto-discovery and configuration
US6834298B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A Network Auto-Discovery service is provided. In operation, an administrator inputs a set of IP (Internet Protocol) address ranges inside which the distributed system exists. The Auto-Discovery Unit (104) steps through the IP addresses in the ranges testing each one to determine if there is a machine at that IP address. If a machine is found at that address, an exploration process is begun. First, attempts are made to contact a Responder (112) on the machine. If one exists, the Responder (112) accepts the configuration information provided to it. Then the Responder (112) returns a set of objects that describe the hardware and software components of that machine. The returned information contains a list of management applications associated with system components. The Auto-Discovery Unit (104) then stores this information. The location and exploration process is repeated at scheduled intervals indefinitely.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.