Managing Computer Network Resources
AssigneeNetfuel,Inc
InventorJames D. Harlow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Software agents are assigned goals in accordance with network policies that define a desired operational characteristic of a computer network. A software agent achieves its assigned goal by executing a predefined task. An assigned goal may be dynamically modified as necessary based on the actual operational characteristics of the network. The software agent may request further policy if it cannot achieve its assigned goal by performing the predefined task.
Claims49
A method of managing a computer network, comprising:
- assigning a goal to a software agent, wherein the goal is a programmatic expression of a predefined task for the software agent;
- and
- dynamically modifying the assigned goal of the software agent according to a desired operational characteristic of the computer network.
A computer network, comprising:
- a software agent having an assigned goal which is a programmatic expression of a predefined task for the software agent;
- an agent support mechanism to provide support to the agent;
- and
- a network control mechanism operable to dynamically modify the assigned goal of the agent based on a desired operational characteristic of the network.
A machine-readable medium that provides instructions which when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform a method comprising:
- assigning a goal to a software agent wherein the goal is a programmatic expression of a predefined task for the software agent;
- and
- dynamically modifying the assigned goal of the software agent according to a desired operational characteristic of the computer network.
A software agent comprising:
- a database defining an operational capability of the software agent;
- a control unit to determine when the operational capability of the agent has been exceeded;
- and
- a communication mechanism to request an update of the operational capability if the operational capability has been exceeded.
A method of operating a network comprising:
- detecting a situation requiring an appropriate action in response;
- determining if a software agent has a relevant policy to perform the appropriate action;
- if the software agent lacks the relevant policy then obtaining the relevant policy;
- and
- performing the appropriate action based on the relevant policy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.