Abstract: In a network, a query originator injects queries of network devices into the network at a query node using query messages. The network transports the query messages to the network devices, or to network nodes at which queries about the network devices can be answered. Query responses from the network devices or network nodes are directed through the network to a collection node or nodes. As an internal network node receives multiple query responses from network devices, the internal network node might aggregate, as needed, the multiple query responses into an aggregated query response that preferably occupies less bandwidth than the aggregated multiple query responses. Where the result desired at the collection node is a computed function of the multiple query responses, the computed function can be performed at each internal network node on the multiple query responses received at that node, thus distributing the computation needed to form a collected response to the query.

Abstract: In a network, a query originator injects queries of network devices into the network at a query node using query messages. The network transports the query messages to the network devices, or to network nodes at which queries about the network devices can be answered. Query responses from the network devices or network nodes are directed through the network to a collection node or nodes. As an internal network node receives multiple query responses from network devices, the internal network node might aggregate, as needed, the multiple query responses into an aggregated query response that preferably occupies less bandwidth than the aggregated multiple query responses. Where the result desired at the collection node is a computed function of the multiple query responses, the computed function can be performed at each internal network node on the multiple query responses received at that node, thus distributing the computation needed to form a collected response to the query.