{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853859","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853859","title":"Network element and a controller for managing the network element","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-11-18T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":19,"abstract":"A network element (101-104) of a software-defined network is adapted to construct a configuration system on the basis of configuration data received from a controller (105, 106) of the software-defined network. The network element is arranged to transmit, in response to an event indicating a need to verify the configuration system, status information to the controller. The event may include for example a loss and a subsequent reestablishment of a connection between the network element and the controller. The status information indicates a first portion of the configuration data which has been implemented in the configuration system prior to the event. After receiving the status information, the controller is able transmit an appropriate second portion of the configuration data to the network element so as to enable verification of an appropriate portion of the configuration system. Thus, there is no need to verify the whole configuration system after the event."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Network Element and a Controller for Managing the Network Element patent introduces a novel approach to managing network configurations in software-defined networks (SDN). The core innovation lies in enabling network elements to construct their configuration systems based on data received from a central controller, enhancing network resilience and reducing downtime. This system addresses the problem of configuration drift and the inefficiencies of traditional network management by allowing network elements to self-manage their configurations. The key technical approach involves a decentralized architecture where network elements monitor their status and transmit information to the controller after events, allowing for targeted verification of the configuration system. This innovation offers significant business value by reducing operational overhead, improving network reliability, and enabling more scalable networks. The market opportunity is substantial, as networks become increasingly complex and dynamic, creating a growing demand for efficient and resilient configuration management solutions. This patent provides a foundation for building advanced network management tools and services that can transform the way networks are operated and maintained.","layman_explanation":"The Network Element and a Controller for Managing the Network Element patent addresses a critical challenge in modern computer networks: ensuring that all network devices are properly configured and remain consistent, even when problems occur. \n\n1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words) \nImagine a large company with hundreds of computers, servers, and other network devices. Keeping all these devices properly configured is a complex task. If a device loses its connection to the central network controller or experiences a software glitch, it might forget its settings or become misconfigured. This can lead to network outages, security vulnerabilities, and performance problems. Existing solutions often require manually checking and reconfiguring each device, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. \n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words) \nThis patent describes a system where each network device is capable of managing its own configuration based on instructions from a central controller. Think of it like each device having a smart assistant that knows how to set things up correctly. If a device loses connection with the controller, it remembers its previous configuration. When the connection is restored, the device reports its status to the controller. The controller then only sends the necessary updates to bring the device back into sync, rather than reconfiguring the entire device from scratch. This targeted approach saves time and reduces the risk of errors. \n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words) \nThis technology has significant implications for businesses and organizations that rely on complex computer networks. By automating the configuration management process, it reduces the risk of network outages and improves overall network stability. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced operational costs, and enhanced security. The market impact is substantial, as businesses are increasingly relying on software-defined networking to manage their networks more efficiently. \n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words) \nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict and prevent network configuration problems. As networks become more complex and dynamic, solutions like this will become essential for maintaining optimal performance and reliability. This technology represents a significant step forward in the evolution of network management.","technical_analysis":"The Network Element and a Controller for Managing the Network Element patent describes a system designed to improve the robustness and efficiency of software-defined networks. The technical architecture centers around a central controller and multiple network elements, each capable of constructing a configuration system based on data received from the controller. Implementation involves the development of specialized software modules for both the controller and the network elements. The network elements monitor their operational status and transmit information to the controller in response to events such as connection loss. This allows the controller to send only the necessary configuration data to verify the appropriate portion of the system, avoiding a full system verification. The algorithm used for determining which portion of the configuration system needs verification is crucial for optimizing performance. The integration patterns involve standard network protocols for communication between the controller and the network elements. Performance characteristics are improved by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and verified, leading to faster recovery times. Code-level implications include the need for robust error handling and efficient data management to ensure the reliability of the system.","business_analysis":"The Network Element and a Controller for Managing the Network Element patent presents a significant market opportunity within the software-defined networking (SDN) landscape. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and resilient network management solutions. The competitive advantages of this technology include reduced operational overhead, improved network reliability, and faster recovery times. The revenue potential is significant, with opportunities to license the technology, develop advanced network management tools, and offer consulting services. The business models that can be built around this patent include software licensing, subscription services, and professional services. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a key challenge in SDN: ensuring the consistency and reliability of configurations across numerous network elements. ROI projections are favorable, with the potential to generate substantial returns through reduced operational costs and improved network performance.","faqs":null,"topics":["network element","controller","software-defined network","configuration management","network resilience","technical","network","element"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Network Element and a Controller for Managing the Network Element - Patent US-9853859","description":"Discover how Network Element and a Controller for Managing the Network Element improves network configuration. Full patent analysis, claims, and applications.","keywords":["network element","controller","software-defined network","configuration management","network resilience","patent","patent US-9853859"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853859","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853859","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Network element and a controller for managing the network element\" (US-9853859). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853859","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853859","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853859","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:49:02.112Z"}