Push vs. Pull in Web-Based Network Management

In this paper, we show how Web technologies can be used effectively to (i) address some of the deficiencies of traditional IP network management platforms, and (ii) render these expensive platforms redundant. We build on the concept of embedded management application, proposed by Wellens and Auerbach, and present two models of network management application designs that rely on Web technologies. First, the pull model is based on the request/response paradigm. It is typically used to perform data polling. Several commercial management platforms already use Web technologies that rely on this model to provide for ad hoc management; we demonstrate how to extend this to regular management. Second, the push model is a novel approach which relies on the publish/subscribe/distribute paradigm. It is better suited to regular management than the pull model, and allows administrators to conserve network bandwidth as well as CPU time on the management station. It can be seen as a generalization of the paradigm commonly used for notification delivery. Finally, we introduce the concept of the collapsed network management platform, where these two models coexist

JAMAP: a Web-Based Management Platform for IP Networks

In this paper, we describe JAMAP, a prototype of a Web-based management platform for IP networks. It is entirely written in Java. It implements the push model to perform regular management (permanent network monitoring and data collection) and ad hoc management (temporary network monitoring and troubleshooting). The communication between agents and managers relies on HTTP transfers between Java applets and servlets over persistent TCP connections. The SNMP MIB data is encapsulated in serialized Java objects that are transmitted as MIME parts via HTTP. The manager consists of two parts: the management server, a static machine that runs the servlets, and the management station, which can be any desktop running a Web browser. The MIB data is transparently compressed with gzip, which saves network bandwidth without increasing latency too significantly

The Push Model in Web-Based Network Management

The management of IP networks is currently based on the SNMP protocol, and the use of expensive network management platforms designed according to the manager/agent paradigm of the SNMP framework. It uses two different schemes to transfer management data: a request/response protocol for data collection and network monitoring (data polling), and unsolicited push to deliver SNMP notifications. This design is exposed to a number of problems, with regards to the time-to-market of vendor-specific management software, versioning, protocol efficiency, security, etc. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to network management based on the push model. This model is well-known in software engineering, and encountered a large success on the Web recently with the push technologies. It relies on the publish/subscribe/distribute paradigm, and uses a single scheme to transfer all management data. We describe why it is more efficient, in terms of network and systems resources, than the traditional pull model. We also explain in detail how to implement this model with Web technologies to deliver SNMP notifications, to handle events, and to distribute MIB data for network monitoring and data collection

IP Network Management Platforms Before the Web

In this paper, we analyze the characteristics and shortcomings of IP network management platforms before the arrival of Web technologies. In the first part, we give a brief history of IP network management, and summarize the limitations of traditional (i.e., pre-Web and SNMP-based) management platforms. We recall the initial objectives of open network management. We then explain how the early vision of generic management was changed by the industry`s natural inclination for market segmentation, and how the market of IP networks evolved from generic to vendor-specific equipment, management GUIs and MIBs. In the second part, we propose a simple model of traditional IP network management platforms, against which new Web-based management solutions can be compared. We introduce the three core functions of such platforms (network monitoring, data collection, and event handling), distinguish regular management from ad hoc management, and explain how SNMP`s polling model maps onto these functions

JAMAP: a Web-Based Management Platform for IP Networks

In this paper, we describe JAMAP, a prototype of Web-based management platform for IP networks. It is entirely written in Java. It implements the push model to perform regular management (i.e. permanent network monitoring and data collection) and ad hoc management (i.e. temporary network monitoring and troubleshooting). The communication between agents and managers relies on HTTP transfers between Java applets and servlets over persistent TCP connections. The SNMP MIB data is encapsulated in serialized Java objects that are transmitted as MIME parts via HTTP. The manager consists of two parts: the management server, a static machine that runs the servlets, and the management station, which can be any desktop running a Web browser. The MIB data is transparently compressed with gzip, which saves network bandwidth without increasing latency too significantly

A Role-based Use Case Model for Remote Data Acquisition Systems

Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) are the basis for building monitoring tools that enable the supervision of local and remote systems. DASs are complex systems. It is difficult for developers to compare proprietary generic DAS products and/or standards, and the design of a specific DAS is costly. In this paper we propose a role-based use case model of a generic DAS. This model gives DAS developers an abstraction of the generic functionalities of DASs, it enables them to compare existing products and standards, and it provides the DAS developers that aim to develop a specific DAS with a starting point for the design of a specific DAS. We have found that a role-based use case model of a generic system has many advantages. We propose patterns and techniques that are useful for the development of role-based use case models of generic systems

Bluetooth User-Driven Cooperative Gallery Using Pull-based Technology

The Dissertation ispart ofthe compulsory requirement upon completion ofthe Final Year Project (Part A) and also tofulfill the requirement ofgraduating in Bachelor of Technology (Hons) Information Communication and Technology (ICT). The topic chosen for the project is Bluetooth User-Driven Cooperative Gallery Using Pullbased Technology. The purpose ofthe report isto have an overview ofthe project. It will discuss and clarify all the findings and information which are relevant to the objectives ofthe project. Students will have the opportunity to exercise their writing skills and to clearly communicate their idea and suggestions. Advance in wireless technology are becoming more and more popular throughout the world. In a world of increasing mobility, there is a growing needforpeople to have timely access to information regardless of the location of the individuals or the information. Introduction will cover the background of the project under study, problem statement, and the objectives of the project. The objective is to implement Bluetooth as a suitable wireless transmission technology that is appropriate to be usedfor the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Gallery. Literature review is the analytical, critical and objective review of the written materials on the chosen topic. It contains all relevant theories, hypotheses, facts, and data which are relevant to the objective and findings of the project. Methodology will be discussing the identification of the procedure that will be using in the development of the project. This part will also discuss all the tools needed in developing the product in terms of hardware and software needed. Results and conclusion will discuss about the results from the questionnaires made to the students and the clarifications of the design and implementation phase. Lastly, the conclusion is to clarify whether the project has been a success, where all the objectives had been achieved or otherwise as well as therecommendationfor future wor

On System Designs of Distributed, Extensible Framework for Network Monitoring and Control

In this paper, we present a distributed, extensible framework for supporting adaptive, dynamic network monitoring and control. We borrow the paradigm of management by delegation [8] and distribute some processing intelligence to network elements. The functionality of the delegated agents, and even that of the native software processes, could be extended dynamically without recompilation. Such procedure is called change of logic and we explain it in the framework of communicating finite state machines for extending native process functionality. We use Java technology and C/C++ dynamic linkage mechanism to achieve the standard hosting infrastructure for these agents and our system designs span a wide scope of applications