Network administration tool employing a network administration protocol

• US 7,886,033 B2
• Filed: 08/25/2006
• Issued: 02/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Yakeley, Ashley Colin, Bush, Steven, Hynoski, Joel, Holt, Nick, Hopmann, Alex, Marl, Brett, Tebbs, Matthew
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, QUANG N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Miah; Razu A
• Application Number:
  US11/467,534
• Publication Number:
  US 20080049779A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,628 Days
• Field of Search: 709223-238, 705/36, 370/401, 370/466
• US Class Current: 709/223
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2807 Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network arrangements for maintenance or administration involving network analysis for automatically determining the actual topology of a network H04L41/12; hardware or software tools for network management using graphical user interfaces H04L41/22; address allocation H04L61/50
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0233 Object-oriented techniques, for representation of network management data, e.g. common object request broker architecture [CORBA]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/046 comprising network management agents or mobile agents therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0853 by actively collecting configuration information or by backing up configuration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0893 Assignment of logical groups to network elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/20 Network management software packages
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/26 using dedicated tools for LAN [Local Area Network] management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0811 by checking connectivity

Abstract

A tool for managing a network of interconnected devices. The tool may provide a user with an interface that allows the user to view the type and status of each network device (that is, each device connected to the network), and even the status of the network itself. The tool may alternately or additionally provide a user with services related to the network. such as allowing a user to perform one or more tasks associated with devices in the network.

Claims

1. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a network management services module that is capable of communicating with one or more devices in a network using a network administration protocol, wherein the network management services module is configured to determine corresponding properties for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the network management services module is configured to create respective data objects for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices, wherein the first computer further includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer, and wherein the network management services module is capable of sending instructions to the one or more devices in a network using the network administration protocol; and

a network management application module that provides a user interface displaying information relating to the one or more devices in the network obtained by the network management services module using the network administration protocol, the network management application module being configured to use the data objects associated with each of the devices to create a map of the devices, the map identifying the devices and their respective status.

2. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a network information services module that is capable of communicating with one or more devices in a network using a network administration protocol, and wherein the network information services module is capable of sending instructions to the one or more devices in a network using the network administration protocol; and

a network management application module that provides a user interface displaying information relating to the one or more devices in the network obtained by the network information services module using the network administration protocol, the network management application module being configured to use data objects associated with each of the devices to create a map of the devices, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices, wherein the first computer further includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

3. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a gateway service module that is capable of communicating with at least one gateway device in a network using a network administration protocol, and wherein the gateway service module is capable of sending instructions to the at least one gateway device using the network administration protocol; and

a network management application module that provides a user interface displaying information relating to the at least one gateway device in the network obtained by the gateway service module using the network administration protocol, the network management application module being configured to use data objects associated with a plurality of other devices in the network to create a map of the other devices, the map identifying the other devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices, wherein the first computer further includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

4. A method of managing a network by a first computer that includes a first network tool, comprising:

communicating with at least one device in a network using a network administration protocol;

sending instructions to the at least one device in a network using the network administration protocol;

displaying information relating to the at least one device in the network obtained by communicating with the at least one device using the network administration protocol;

using data objects associated with each of a plurality of devices in the network to create a map of the devices, which includes the at least one device, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices; and

providing a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer loins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

5. The method recited in claim 4, wherein the at least one device is a gateway device.

6. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a network management services module that obtains information regarding one or more devices in a network, and the network management services module is capable of sending instructions to the one or more devices in a network using a network administration protocol; and

a network management application module that provides access through a Web site to a user interface displaying the information relating to the one or more devices in the network obtained by the network management services module the first computer being configured for;

using data objects associated with each of the devices to create a map of the devices, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices, wherein the first computer further includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer loins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

7. The network tool recited in claim 6, wherein the user interface is capable of receiving input commands through the Web site.

8. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a gateway service module that obtains information regarding at least one gateway device in a network, and the gateway service module is capable of sending instructions to the at least one gateway device using a network administration protocol; and

a network management application module that provides access through a Web site to a user interface displaying the information relating to the at least one gateway device in the network obtained by the gateway service module, wherein the first computer is further configured for;

using data objects associated with each of a plurality of other devices in the network to create a map of the other devices, the map identifying the other devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices; and

providing a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer loins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

9. The network tool recited in claim 8, wherein the user interface is capable of receiving input commands through the Web site.

10. A method of managing a network by a first computer that includes a first network tool, comprising:

obtaining information regarding at least one device in a network;

sending instructions to the at least one device in the network using a network administration protocol;

providing access through a Web site to a user interface displaying the information relating to the at least one network device;

using data objects associated with each of a plurality of devices to create a map of the devices, which includes the at least one device, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices; and

providing a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

11. The method recited in claim 10, wherein the user interface is capable of receiving input commands through the Web site.

12. The method recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one device is a gateway device.

13. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a remote installation module hosted on a first computing device in a local network that is capable of;

communicating with a network management tool hosted on a second computing device in a local network to detect the absence of a software program or software program update on the second computing device;

the remote installation module is further capable of providing the software program or software program update to the second computing device;

causing the second computing device to install the software program or software program update;

using data objects associated with each of a plurality of other devices in the local network to create a map of the other devices, the map identifying the other devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices; and

providing a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

14. A method of installing a software program or software program update on a computing device in a local network, comprising:

from a first computing device in the local network, communicating with a network management tool hosted on a second computing device in the local network to detect the absence of a software program or software program update on the second computing device;

sending the software program or software program update to the second computing device from the first computing device;

causing the second computing device to install the software program or software program update; and

using data objects associated with each of a plurality of other devices to create a map of the other devices, the map identifying the other devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices; and

providing a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a third computing device joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the third computing device, and wherein if the third computing device is discovered to be executing an instance of the network management tool, then the properties for each of the devices of the network are sent to the third computing device.

15. A first network tool embedded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, when executed by a computer processor, operating on a first computer, comprising:

a network management services module that obtains information regarding one or more devices in a network;

a network management application module that provides access through a Web site to a user interface displaying the information relating to the one or more devices in the network obtained by the network management services module the first computer being configured for;

using data objects associated with each of the devices to create a map of the devices, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices, wherein the first computer further includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer loins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer;

a network management application module that provides a user interface with a command to address a problem with a device in a local network; and

a network management services module that, in response to activation of the command, provides an instruction to the device using a network administration protocol, the network management application module being configured to use data objects associated with each of a plurality of devices in the local network to create a map of the devices, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein the network management services module is configured to determine corresponding properties for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the network management services module is configured to create the data objects for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as XML elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices.

16. The network tool recited in claim 15, wherein the instruction is a reboot instruction.

17. The network tool recited in claim 15, wherein a selected one of the devices is a gateway device for the local network.

18. The network tool recited in claim 17, wherein the instruction is a reboot instruction.

19. The network tool recited in claim 17, wherein the problem is a network connectivity problem.

20. A method of managing a network by a first computer that includes a first network tool, comprising:

identifying a problem with a device in a local network;

in response to identification of the problem, providing an instruction to the device using a network administration protocol, and sending instructions to the at least one device in a network using the network administration protocol; and

using data objects associated with each of a plurality of devices to create a map of the devices, which includes the device in the local network, the map identifying the devices and their respective status, wherein corresponding properties are determined for each of the devices, the properties including an IP address for each of the devices, an operational status for each of the devices, and an identity of a manufacturer of each of the devices, and wherein the data objects are created for each of the devices, the data objects being provided as extensible markup language (XML) elements that include an identifier for each of the devices and the properties for each of the devices, wherein the first computer further includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client element and a DHCP listener element such that when a second computer joins the network, the DHCP client broadcasts a first message to notify the network of its presence and to request an IP address for the second computer, and wherein if the second computer is discovered to be executing a second instance of the network tool, then the properties for each of the devices are sent to the second computer.

21. The method recited in claim 20, wherein the instruction is a reboot instruction.

22. The method recited in claim 20, wherein a selected one of the devices is a gateway device for the local network.

23. The method recited in claim 22, wherein the instruction is a reboot instruction.

24. The method recited in claim 22, wherein the problem is a network connectivity problem.