Network fault isolation

Abstract

Techniques are provided for improved fault isolation and fault reduction. A system for use with a data network includes multiple diagnostic units each adapted to communicate with the network including to a network user. A central controller is operatively connected to the diagnostic units, the controller being adapted to communicate with and coordinate operations of the diagnostic units, to instruct the diagnostic units to perform tests adapted to help isolate a network fault, and to analyze test results received from a diagnostic unit to attempt to determine the network fault. Various methods for improving fault isolation and fault reduction are also provided.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to networks such as communication and data networks, and in particular to isolating faults in such networks. Background technique [0002] Communication and data networks are rapidly growing in use and complexity. For example, the number of people using the Internet to send and receive data is increasing every day. Also, people are using the Internet more as more websites appear and because users can conveniently use more online services such as shopping than just accessing information. The increase in information and service resources, such as the ever-increasing number of web sites, has added to the complexity of the Internet. As the use and complexity of networks increases, so does the number of problems experienced by users. [0003] Network service providers hope to reduce the impact of network problems on users and the costs borne by network problems. In order to reduce the impact of problems such as downtime, in...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, such techniques often require complex techniques for collecting, and / or filtering, and / or representing the collected data

Also, it is difficult to isolate large numbers of problems using this technique

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