Bastion Server Network Device Testing Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and maintaining large, distributed computer networks has become increasingly complex due to the scale and scope of data centers, requiring efficient methods to test and analyze network devices and connections without causing significant disruption to network traffic.
Innovation Solution
A framework utilizing a bastion server that executes a test plan with distinct phases (pre-check, pre-test, test, post-check, and post-test) to analyze network devices and connections, ensuring minimal disruption by terminating tests if issues are detected and providing detailed summaries for issue identification and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive testing of network devices is performed, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but network disruption and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-check and pre-test phases before actual testing. The system checks test plan validity, verifies device accessibility, and prepares testing environment in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that when actual testing occurs, it can proceed efficiently with minimal disruption to network operations, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing network disruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing process into distinct phases: pre-check, pre-test, test, post-check, and post-test. Each phase has specific objectives and can be executed independently. This segmentation allows the system to perform comprehensive testing while managing network disruption in controlled intervals, improving overall measurement precision by ensuring each phase is thoroughly executed without requiring continuous network interruption.
2Reliability
If thorough network device testing is conducted, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bastion server as an intermediary between the test plan and the network devices under test. The bastion server manages the entire testing process, including executing pre-checks, performing tests, and conducting post-checks. This intermediary abstraction layer simplifies the complexity by centralizing control logic, allowing users to initiate comprehensive testing through a simple interface while the bastion server handles the complex coordination of multiple testing phases and device interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing framework implements self-service by automatically performing validity checks, device accessibility verification, and test execution without requiring manual intervention at each step. The system autonomously manages the testing workflow, including detecting test plan errors, adjusting testing parameters, and generating reports. This automation reduces operational difficulty while maintaining high reliability through systematic execution of comprehensive testing procedures.
3Measurement precision
If network testing is performed to identify issues, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors and network disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by performing pre-check phases that detect potential testing issues before actual testing begins. The system verifies device accessibility, checks test plan configuration, and identifies potential conflicts with ongoing network operations. By detecting and addressing these issues in advance, the system can proceed with high-precision testing while minimizing harmful disruptions to network traffic, as problems are resolved before they can cause significant interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing framework implements dynamics by adaptively adjusting testing parameters and procedures based on real-time network conditions. The bastion server monitors network traffic patterns and device responsiveness during testing, dynamically modifying test intensity and duration to maintain measurement precision while reducing harmful disruptions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to perform thorough network device analysis while being responsive to actual network state, thereby minimizing traffic disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A network administrator utilizes a user client device to connect to a server within a network and provide a test plan comprises various tests to be performed on pairs of devices having physical connections within the network. The server selects, from the various pairs of devices, a pair of devices that are to be tested. Subsequently, the server transmits to each device of the selected pair of devices, instructions that may cause each device to perform the tests specified within the test plan. Once the tests have been completed, the server obtains the test results from the pair of devices and compiles these results.