Access Point Loop Root Cause Detection From Upstream Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems require manual troubleshooting to identify the root cause of networking loops, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to extended network downtime.
Innovation Solution
A network management system (NMS) correlates network data from access points and upstream devices to automatically determine the root cause of networking loops and perform remedial actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual troubleshooting is used to identify the root cause of networking loops, then network management systems can detect and analyze loop issues, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to extended network downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively collecting and storing network data from multiple sources (access points, switches, routers) before loops occur. This pre-collected data includes device configurations, traffic patterns, and topology information, enabling rapid analysis when a loop is detected without needing to gather information during the incident response phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated analysis component that mediates between raw network data and root cause determination. This intermediary uses machine learning models and correlation algorithms to process data from multiple network devices, identify patterns, and determine root causes automatically, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting while improving accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to detect and remediate networking loops, then troubleshooting speed and accuracy improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: data collection module, data processing module, root cause analysis module, and remediation module. Each module has a specific function and can be independently developed, tested, and maintained. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the complex automated troubleshooting process into manageable, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary components such as standardized data interfaces, protocol translators, and abstraction layers between different system components. These intermediaries simplify integration and reduce complexity by providing uniform communication protocols and data formats, allowing the automated system to handle diverse network devices without requiring complex custom integration logic for each device type.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for determining a root cause of a networking loop that occurred at one or more access points. The techniques include a network management system (NMS) configured to obtain information of a plurality of network devices that indicate a plurality of network events comprising at least a networking loop event that occurred at an access point of the plurality of network devices and one or more network events that occurred at an upstream device to the access point; determine, based on correlating the plurality of network events, whether the one or more network events that occurred at the upstream device is a root cause of the networking loop event; and perform, based on determining that the one or more network events that occurred at the upstream device is a root cause of the networking loop event, an action to remedy the networking loop event.