WO2001045327A1 - Information network management system - Google Patents

Information network management system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001045327A1
WO2001045327A1 PCT/ZA1999/000140 ZA9900140W WO0145327A1 WO 2001045327 A1 WO2001045327 A1 WO 2001045327A1 ZA 9900140 W ZA9900140 W ZA 9900140W WO 0145327 A1 WO0145327 A1 WO 0145327A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
server
network
providing
servers
managing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA1999/000140
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Nevo Hadas
Original Assignee
Dydx (Pty) Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dydx (Pty) Ltd. filed Critical Dydx (Pty) Ltd.
Priority to AU37748/00A priority Critical patent/AU3774800A/en
Priority to PCT/ZA1999/000140 priority patent/WO2001045327A1/en
Publication of WO2001045327A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001045327A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H04L43/08Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
    • H04L43/0876Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method of and system for the managing and monitoring of services on an information network. More specifically it relates to the use of an administrative server with managing means to control and monitor one or more of; main servers, application servers and databases connected or connectable to the network
  • monitoring services on an information network including the steps of:
  • the interactive communication network my
  • the routing device or system may include
  • the application server may include one or more of: users and domain registrars.
  • the application server may include one or more of: users and domain registrars.
  • a mail server a proxy server, a franking server and a network management
  • monitoring services on an information network comprising:
  • At least one application server for providing an information product or service
  • FIG. 1 is a basic block diagram of the network and system according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 specifically illustrates the components and functionality of the administrator server
  • Figure 3 includes the functionality's and operational functions of a web server
  • Figure 4 shows the functions of the Primary name server
  • Figure 5 relates to the functions of ISP staff given
  • Figure 6 includes authentication procedures according to the invention
  • Figure 7 relates to server management
  • Figure 8 illustrated ISP total control over the packages that are sold through the system
  • Figure 9 includes the function and operation of the system which provides ISP's reports;
  • Figure 10 includes client management functions and procedures;
  • Figure 1 1 more specifically relates to the registration process
  • Figure 12 relates to customers having access to certain reports.
  • Figure 13 illustrates how administration of domains is done through a web
  • FIG. 1 is a basic block diagram of the network and system according
  • backbone (2) i.e. an Ethernet communications network to which is attached one or more
  • the network may be managed and controlled via one or more
  • administration servers (7) utilizing the systems software (i.e. Nserv) for managing and
  • communications backbone connect or be connectable to an information network via a
  • router or similar device which facilitates communication to one or more networks
  • FIG. 2 specifically illustrates the components and functionality of the administrator
  • server (13) including a main computer or workstation (14) (i.e. Intel PC or Sun workstation ) including input (21 ) means for managing and controlling the operation of
  • the computer as well as output means including any one or more of a screen or monitor
  • the administration server may have communications means with the Internet (24) and/or
  • Figure 3 includes the functionality and operation functions of a web server (28) including
  • the Mail server (33) may perform: Creating a POP user account (34) (no shell
  • Figure 4 shows the functions of the Primary name server (36) including on or more of:
  • Registrars (41) may include:
  • registering functions may be used to generate repors (47) for the network
  • Routers (48) may perform and comprise the step of:
  • Figure (5) relates to the functions of ISP staff given corresponding to the job functions
  • Client user administration (51) can manage basic client requirements such as add,
  • Domain administrator can add, delete, suspend and modify clients, domains and plug-
  • ISP Financial officer(53) may have access to view billing reports and
  • Network administrator can add, modify and delete servers from the network tree
  • Figure 6 includes authentication procedures (57) which require all users to enter their
  • FIG. 7 relates to server management (67) wherbyt as the system software (v:serv)
  • the administration interface (80) allows the ISP to set prices for:
  • Packages can thus support variable pricing within a monthly billing price structure as illustrated.
  • Figure 9 includes the function and operation (87) of
  • FINANCIAL information may include expected income from clients and discounts
  • given NETWORK (90) may include:
  • SALES (91) may include:
  • CLIENTS (92) may include:
  • the reports may include a scenario where the system provides the ISP with
  • Figure 10 includes client management (95) functions and procedures including ISP
  • Figure 11 more specifically relates to the registration process ( 100) including the steps of
  • Figure 12 relates to customers (113) having access to certain reports (1 14) including
  • Figure 13 illustrates how administration of domains (117) is done through a web interface

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
  • Computer And Data Communications (AREA)

Abstract

This invention is a method of and system for the managing and monitoring of services on an information network. More specifically it relates to the use of an administrative server with managing means to control and monitor one or more of; main servers, application servers and databases connected or connectable to the network. Systems software provides an interface for users to manage and monitor services.

Description

INFORMATION NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a method of and system for the managing and monitoring of services on an information network. More specifically it relates to the use of an administrative server with managing means to control and monitor one or more of; main servers, application servers and databases connected or connectable to the network
BACKGROUND ART
With the introduction of the Internet and associated applications from e-mail to e-commerce and Internet access there is an increasing need to enable service providers to automate some of the tedious tasks associated with administering users and billing systems.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for the managing and monitoring of services on information networks. More specifically it relates to the use of administrative servers to manage and control services and billing networks of service providers. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the invention there is included a method of managing and
monitoring services on an information network, the method including the steps of:
- providing at least one interactive communication network to which is connected or
connectable at least one or more main servers including one or more of: a Unix web
server, a NT web server and a DNS server;
- providing at least one application server for providing an information product or
service;
- providing at least one database connected to the network; and
- providing at least one administrative server with managing means to control and
monitor one or more of: the main servers, application servers and databases
connected to the network
According to second aspect of the invention the interactive communication network my
be connected to the public information network via a routing device or system.
According to the third aspect of the invention the routing device or system may include
one or more of: users and domain registrars. According to the fourth aspect of the invention the application server may include one or
more of; a mail server, a proxy server, a franking server and a network management
server.
According to the fifth aspect of the invention there is included a system for managing and
monitoring services on an information network, the system comprising:
- at least one interactive communication network to which is connected or
connectable at least one or more main servers including one or more of: a Unix web
server, a NT web server and a DNS server;
at least one application server for providing an information product or service;
- at least one database connected to the network;
- one administrative server with managing means to control and monitor one or more
of: the main servers, application servers and databases connected to the network;
and
- systems software facilitating in providing a user interface for managing and
monitoring services on the information network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by means of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying diagrams wherein:
Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of the network and system according to the invention;
Figure 2 specifically illustrates the components and functionality of the administrator server;
Figure 3 includes the functionality's and operational functions of a web server;
Figure 4 shows the functions of the Primary name server;
Figure 5 relates to the functions of ISP staff given;
Figure 6 includes authentication procedures according to the invention; Figure 7 relates to server management;
Figure 8 illustrated ISP total control over the packages that are sold through the system;
Figure 9 includes the function and operation of the system which provides ISP's reports; Figure 10 includes client management functions and procedures;
Figure 1 1 more specifically relates to the registration process;
Figure 12 relates to customers having access to certain reports; and
Figure 13 illustrates how administration of domains is done through a web
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Turning to Figure 1 which is a basic block diagram of the network and system according
to the invention comprising a communications network ( 1 ) with a central communications
backbone (2) i.e. an Ethernet communications network to which is attached one or more
of the following: Unix webservers (3), NT web servers (4), mail servers (5) and DNS
servers (6). Furthermore the network may be managed and controlled via one or more
administration servers (7) utilizing the systems software (i.e. Nserv) for managing and
controlling services and users on the network. Also connected to the network is one or
more accounting databases (8) with user and/or billing information stored thereon. The
communications backbone connect or be connectable to an information network via a
router or similar device (9) which facilitates communication to one or more networks
including an Intranet, Extranet and the Internet ( 10) having multiple user at home or office
(11) and domain registrars thereon (12). Furthermore the software facilitates the
administration and control of users, products and services on the network.
Figure 2 specifically illustrates the components and functionality of the administrator
server (13) including a main computer or workstation (14) ( i.e. Intel PC or Sun workstation ) including input (21 ) means for managing and controlling the operation of
the computer as well as output means including any one or more of a screen or monitor
(22) an printer (23).
The administration server may have communications means with the Internet (24) and/or
a Intranet (24), Extranet (25) and a local network or WAN (27). Furthermore the server
may have storage means i.e mirrored hard disks (16 and 17) operated by the server
operating system or server software (15) . Also included within the scope of the operation
of the server is backup facilities for backing up system software or data (19) and/or
system logging (20) on backup devices i.e. CD-ROM,, magnetic tapes and DAT streamers
( not shown) operated by a backup device or peripheral (18).
Figure 3 includes the functionality and operation functions of a web server (28) including
one or more of:
• creating a FTP user (29) (no shell access and rooted to home directory)
S configuring a home directory for the user (30)
• allocating a quota if supported by the OS; (31) and
• configuring the virtual host entry in the webservers configuration file(32).
Furthermore the Mail server (33) may perform: Creating a POP user account (34) (no shell
access) and configuring a mail server (35) t accept mail for new domain and sets up aliases
Figure 4 shows the functions of the Primary name server (36) including on or more of:
Creating a db file for the new domain (37),
adding this to named.boot (38)_
restarts named and updates any secondaries (39) and
lθ also using for example CORBA, initiates and monitors the domain registration or
update process (40).
Registrars (41) may include:
• Sending a request through to the domain registrars (42) and monitors progress (43)
whether it is a new domain registration (44), an update(45) or a deletion (46)
Furthermore the registering functions may be used to generate repors (47) for the network
administrator.
Routers (48) may perform and comprise the step of:
interrogating the routers for bandwidth utilization (49) and/or utilizing SNMP on an IP basis per virtual host.
Figure (5) relates to the functions of ISP staff given corresponding to the job functions
they need to perform including
5 Client user administration (51) can manage basic client requirements such as add,
delete and modify user information.
Domain administrator: can add, delete, suspend and modify clients, domains and plug-
ins(52)
ISP Financial officer(53) may have access to view billing reports and
§ Network administrator (54): can add, modify and delete servers from the network tree
Figure 6 includes authentication procedures (57) which require all users to enter their
5 username (58) and password (59) before access is granted to the administration area
(60). Sessions are created (61) with each log-on and the IP from which they originated
is tracked (62). If inactive (65), time-out periods apply to all users, after which they
must log-on again. If active (64) they may proceed or continue witht an existing
process (66)
0 Figure 7 relates to server management (67) wherbyt as the system software (v:serv)
supports distributed networks, server-monitoring services are available through the
software to direct specific requirements towards different servers. Functions available
are:
5 Add and remove servers from available servers list (68)
Add and remove IP's (69)
Monitoring running services on servers with problem flagging if they have stopped
operating(70)
(Figure 8 illustrates ISP total control over the packages that are sold through the system,
the administration interface (80) allows the ISP to set prices for:
set-up costs (81)
annual costs(82)
monthly costs(83)
5 months free (84)
per unit cost (bandwidth) (85) and
plug-ins (86)(
Setting up packages is done through creating individuals products that are then grouped
together for an overall package price. Packages can thus support variable pricing within a monthly billing price structure as illustrated.
Figure 9 includes the function and operation (87) of
the system which provides ISP's reports on:
LICENSES# Of Sites
# Of Domains
# Of Plug-ins
FINANCIAL information (89) may include expected income from clients and discounts
given NETWORK (90) may include:
Bandwidth Utilisation
Services running on each server; and
Server logs
SALES (91) may include:
Clients over and near quota
CLIENTS (92) may include:
Domains
Bandwidth Utilisation
Average number of email's per domain
Average Hosting space per domain Furthermore the reports may include a scenario where the system provides the ISP with
reports (93) and clients with reports (94)
Figure 10 includes client management (95) functions and procedures including ISP
administrators (96) through the administration back-end (97) including actions (98) as
illustrated (99)
Figure 11 more specifically relates to the registration process ( 100) including the steps of
entering a domain name (101) after which it is checked against domain registration (102)
including updating a domain (103) or creating a new one (104). After this the package is
selected (105) and the packages displayed (106) are checked a product database to which
are active. Now personal details are entered (107) after which certain error checks are
performed (108); now the secure area is entered including entering banking details and
confirming a purchase and password (109). The process is executed (1 10) as illustrated
after which the system log's into the main area (111)
Figure 12 relates to customers (113) having access to certain reports (1 14) including
billing reports (1 15) and Usage reports (1 16) Figure 13 illustrates how administration of domains (117) is done through a web interface
(1 18) including main navigation and specific functions ( 119) as graphically depicted ( 120)
Clients receive the following reports:
Packages purchased
Quantity utilised (of package)
Plug-ins purchased
Bandwidth utilised

Claims

1. A method of managing and monitoring services on an information network, the
method including the steps of:
- providing at least one interactive communication network to which is
connected or connectable at least one or more main servers including one
or more of: a Unix web server, a NT web server and a DNS server;
- providing at least one application server for providing an information
product or service;
- providing at least one database connected to the network; and
- providing at least one administrative server with managing means to control
and monitor one or more of: the main servers, application servers and
databases connected to the network
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the the interactive communication
network is connected to the public information network via a routing device or
system.
3. A method as claimed in claim any of the above claims wherein the method of the
invention includes a routing device or for one or more of: users and domain
registrars.
4. A method as claimed in claim any of the above claims wherein the application
server may include one or more of; a mail server, a proxy server, a franking server
and a network management server.
5. A system of managing and monitoring services on an information network, the
system comprising:
- at least one interactive communication network to which is connected or
connectable at least one or more main servers including one or more of: a Unix web
server, a NT web server and a DNS server;
at least one application server for providing an information product or service;
- at least one database connected to the network;
- one administrative server with managing means to control and monitor one or more
of: the main servers, application servers and databases connected to the network;
and
- systems software facilitating in providing a user interface for managing and
monitoring services on the information network.
PCT/ZA1999/000140 1999-12-15 1999-12-15 Information network management system WO2001045327A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU37748/00A AU3774800A (en) 1999-12-15 1999-12-15 Information network management system
PCT/ZA1999/000140 WO2001045327A1 (en) 1999-12-15 1999-12-15 Information network management system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ZA1999/000140 WO2001045327A1 (en) 1999-12-15 1999-12-15 Information network management system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001045327A1 true WO2001045327A1 (en) 2001-06-21

Family

ID=25587508

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA1999/000140 WO2001045327A1 (en) 1999-12-15 1999-12-15 Information network management system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3774800A (en)
WO (1) WO2001045327A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100370739C (en) * 2003-12-26 2008-02-20 华为技术有限公司 Application distributed network management system and method

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10322333A (en) * 1997-04-15 1998-12-04 Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> Module state judging method

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10322333A (en) * 1997-04-15 1998-12-04 Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> Module state judging method
EP0883271A2 (en) * 1997-04-15 1998-12-09 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and system for managing data service systems

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ETERNO O ET AL: "AN INTRANET ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CENTERS", IEEE NETWORK OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM,US,NEW YORK, NY: IEEE, vol. CONF. 10, 3 November 1997 (1997-11-03), pages 230 - 244, XP000799776, ISBN: 0-7803-4352-2 *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1999, no. 03 31 March 1999 (1999-03-31) *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100370739C (en) * 2003-12-26 2008-02-20 华为技术有限公司 Application distributed network management system and method

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Publication number Publication date
AU3774800A (en) 2001-06-25

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