US6460070B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mobile agents for fault diagnosis and correction in a distributed computer environment
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1998-06-03
•
Granted: 2002-10-01
•
Expires: 2018-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A large distributed enterprise includes computing resources that are organized into one or more managed regions, each region being managed by a management server servicing one or more gateway machines, with each gateway machine servicing a plurality of endpoint machines. A method of diagnosing a fault in such an environment begins by deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at each of the endpoint machines. In response to occurrence of the fault, a software agent is selected, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine. The selected software agent is then deployed into the computer network to diagnosis the fault. If the location of the fault is indeterminate, the software agent migrates to the location by gathering information about the fault as it traverses the network.
Inventors
- 👤 John J. E. Turek
- 👤 Brian Jay Vetter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:25
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04Q3/0062; H04Q3/0075; G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/0703; G06F11/0706; G06F11/0709; G06F11/0793; H04L; H04L41/00; H04L41/04; H04L41/046; H04L41/06; H04L41/0677; G06F11/079
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of diagnosing a fault in a large, distributed computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of the gateway machines servicing a set of endpoint machines, the method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at each of the endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnose the fault.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of diagnosing a fault in a large, distributed computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of the gateway machines servicing a set of endpoint machines, the method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at each of the endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnose the fault.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as described in claim 1 further including the step of having the software agent attempt to correct the fault.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of having the software agent attempt to correct the fault includes utilizing code of the software agent to fix the fault.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as described in claim 2 wherein the step of having the software agent attempt to correct the fault includes requesting additional code to be dispatched from another node in the network.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as described in claim 4 wherein the additional code is another software agent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as described in claim 1 wherein the selecting step includes identifying a given characteristic of the fault and selecting the software agent based on the given characteristic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as described in claim 6 wherein the step of selecting the software agent further includes assembling a set of tasks necessary to diagnosis the fault.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as described in claim 1 wherein the runtime environment comprises a runtime engine and the software agent is a set of one or more tasks executable by the runtime engine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as described in claim 8 wherein the computer network includes the Internet, the runtime engine is associated with a Web browser and the software agent is an applet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as described in claim 12 wherein the fault is diagnosed and corrected using code in the software agent.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of diagnosing a fault in a large, distributed computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of the gateway machines servicing a set of endpoint machines, the method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at each of the endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the fault; wherein the step of deploying the selected software agent comprises the steps of: migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network; at each node at which the selected software agent is received: (a) determining whether the fault originated from the node; (b) if the fault did not originate from the node, identifying a given subset of nodes associated with the node that remain candidates for locating the fault; (c) deploying the software agent to the given subset; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until a location of the fault is determined.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of diagnosing a fault in a large, distributed computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of the gateway machines servicing a set of endpoint machines, the method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at each of the endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the fault; wherein the step of deploying the selected software agent comprises the steps of: migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network; at each node at which the selected software agent is received: (a) determining whether the fault originated from the node; (b) if the fault did not originate from the node, identifying a given subset of nodes associated with the node that remain candidates for locating the fault; (c) deploying the software agent to the given subset; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until a location of the fault is determined.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of diagnosing and correcting a fault in a large, distributed computer network in which a management infrastructure is supported, comprising the steps of: in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting at least one software agent from a set of software agents useful in diagnosing network events; migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network until the software agent arrives at the location of the fault; and diagnosing and correcting the fault.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of diagnosing and correcting a fault in a large, distributed computer network in which a management infrastructure is supported, comprising the steps of: in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting at least one software agent from a set of software agents useful in diagnosing network events; migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network until the software agent arrives at the location of the fault; and diagnosing and correcting the fault.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as described in claim 12 wherein the management infrastructure includes a runtime environment deployed at each node of the computer network and the software agent is a set of one or more tasks executed by the runtime environment.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as described in claim 13 wherein the computer network includes the Internet, the runtime environment is associated with a Web browser and the software agent is an applet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as described in claim 12 wherein the fault is corrected by dispatching additional code to the location.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as described in claim 15 wherein the additional code is another software agent.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of diagnosing and correcting a fault in a large, distributed computer network in which a management infrastructure is supported, comprising the steps of: in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting at least one software agent from a set of software agents useful in diagnosing network events; migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network until the software agent arrives at the location of the fault; and diagnosing and correcting the fault; wherein the selecting step includes identifying a given characteristic of the fault and selecting the software agent based on the given characteristic.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of diagnosing and correcting a fault in a large, distributed computer network in which a management infrastructure is supported, comprising the steps of: in response to occurrence of the fault, selecting at least one software agent from a set of software agents useful in diagnosing network events; migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network until the software agent arrives at the location of the fault; and diagnosing and correcting the fault; wherein the selecting step includes identifying a given characteristic of the fault and selecting the software agent based on the given characteristic.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as described in claim 17 wherein the selecting step includes assembling a set of tasks necessary to diagnose the fault.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, a diagnostic method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at given endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of a given event, selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, a diagnostic method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at given endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of a given event, selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The diagnostic method as described in claim 19 wherein the event is a fault.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, a diagnostic method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at given endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of a given event selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event; wherein the software agent is deployed by: migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network; and at each node at which the selected software agent is received: (a) determining whether the fault originated from the node; (b) if the fault did not originate from the node, identifying a given subset of nodes associated with the node that remain candidates for locating the fault; (c) deploying the software agent to the given subset; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until a location of the fault is identified.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
180 words
In a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, a diagnostic method comprising the steps of: deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment at given endpoint machines; in response to occurrence of a given event selecting a software agent, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event; wherein the software agent is deployed by: migrating the selected software agent across a given set of nodes in the computer network; and at each node at which the selected software agent is received: (a) determining whether the fault originated from the node; (b) if the fault did not originate from the node, identifying a given subset of nodes associated with the node that remain candidates for locating the fault; (c) deploying the software agent to the given subset; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until a location of the fault is identified.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus connectable into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and means for deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus connectable into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and means for deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein the given event is a fault and the software agent is deployed to diagnose and correct the fault.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
139 words
Apparatus connectable into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and means for deploying the computer network to diagnosis the event; wherein the selecting means includes: means for parsing information about the event to identify one or more characteristics of the event; and means responsive to the parsing means for correlating the one or more event characteristics with information about prior events to identify the software agent.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
139 words
Apparatus connectable into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and means for deploying the computer network to diagnosis the event; wherein the selecting means includes: means for parsing information about the event to identify one or more characteristics of the event; and means responsive to the parsing means for correlating the one or more event characteristics with information about prior events to identify the software agent.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
91 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, the computer connectable to one of the gateway machines, the computer program product comprising: a runtime environment downloaded to the computer during a deployment operation; and a software agent deployed to the computer during a diagnostic operation and being executable by the runtime environment to diagnose a given condition associated with the computer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
91 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, the computer connectable to one of the gateway machines, the computer program product comprising: a runtime environment downloaded to the computer during a deployment operation; and a software agent deployed to the computer during a diagnostic operation and being executable by the runtime environment to diagnose a given condition associated with the computer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer program product as described in claim 25 wherein the software agent includes one or more tasks selected in response to the given condition.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
111 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, the computer connectable to one of the gateway machines, the computer program product comprising: a runtime environment downloaded to the computer during a deployment operation; and a software agent deployed to the computer during a diagnostic operation and being executable by the runtime environment to diagnose a given condition associated with the computer; wherein the runtime environment is associated with a browser of the computer and the software agent is a Java applet.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
111 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed enterprise having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, the computer connectable to one of the gateway machines, the computer program product comprising: a runtime environment downloaded to the computer during a deployment operation; and a software agent deployed to the computer during a diagnostic operation and being executable by the runtime environment to diagnose a given condition associated with the computer; wherein the runtime environment is associated with a browser of the computer and the software agent is a Java applet.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
145 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed computer network, the computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, the computer program product comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; a set of software agents, each of the software agents comprising a set of one or more tasks; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and means for deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
145 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed computer network, the computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, the computer program product comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; a set of software agents, each of the software agents comprising a set of one or more tasks; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine; and means for deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer program product as described in claim 28 wherein the given event is a fault and the software agent is deployed to diagnose and correct the fault.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
191 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed computer network, the computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, the computer program product comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; a set of software agents, each of the software agents comprising a set of one or more tasks; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine, and means for deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event; wherein the selecting means includes: means for parsing information about the event to identify one or more characteristics of the event; and means responsive to the parsing means for correlating the one or more event characteristics with information about prior events to identify the software agent.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
191 words
A computer program product in computer-readable media for use in a computer having a processor, a memory, and means for connecting the computer into a large distributed computer network, the computer network having a management server servicing a set of gateway machines, each of which services a set of endpoint machines, the computer program product comprising: means for deploying a management infrastructure throughout the computer network, the management infrastructure including a runtime environment for use at each of the endpoint machines; a set of software agents, each of the software agents comprising a set of one or more tasks; means, responsive to occurrence of a given event, for selecting a software agent to diagnose the event, the software agent being executable by the runtime environment at an endpoint machine, and means for deploying the selected software agent into the computer network to diagnosis the event; wherein the selecting means includes: means for parsing information about the event to identify one or more characteristics of the event; and means responsive to the parsing means for correlating the one or more event characteristics with information about prior events to identify the software agent.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
JPH02234521A
Cited
US5113398A
Cited
US5706422A
Cited
US5157667A
Cited
US5692119A
Cited
US5321813A
Cited
US5596712A
Cited
US5367635A
Cited
US5355313A
Cited
EP0563684A2
Cited
US5337360A
Cited
US5838918A
Cited
US5623628A
Cited
US5655081A
Cited
US5572528A
Cited
US5815652A
Cited
US5887171A
Cited
US5913037A
Cited
US5872931A
Cited
US6088727A
Cited
US5901286A
Cited
US6012152A
Cited
US6055562A
Cited
US5987135A
Cited
US6009456A
Cited
US6049819A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-09-30 | 2006-04-01 | 2006-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-09-30 | 2010-04-01 | 2010-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-09-30 | 2014-04-01 | 2014-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |