US 6,895,433 B1 · HTTP redirection of configuration data for network devices

Abstract

A group of network devices, such as Ethernet switches, are logically configured as a single cluster, with one commander device and one or more expansion devices. Each device in the cluster contains an embedded HTML server that facilitates configuration and management of the network device via a management station running a Web browser. Each device in the cluster is identified by a unique Universal Resource Locator (“URL”). However, only the cluster commander is required to have an IP address. The cluster commander redirects and translates configuration and management requests from the Web browser on the management station so that requests are processed by the appropriate device in the cluster. The exchange of information between the Web browser on the management station and the devices in a cluster is accomplished via redirection of HTTP GET and POST methods. This provides a consistent, device-independent interface between the device and the Web browser on the management station.

Claims45

Dependent claims

A first network device for managing a cluster of network devices, said first network device comprising:

an input interface adapted to receive a network device management request from a management station via a first HTTP connection, the request including a Universal Resource Identifier (URI) and management data for a network device;
and
a request redirector adapted to determine a second network device in the cluster indicated by the URI and to redirect the request via a forwarding HTTP connection to the second network device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

HTTP redirection of configuration data for network devices

Life of this patent

HTTP redirection of configuration data for network devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims45