Automated Bridged Network Fault Localization via Reference Model Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet OAM protocols fail to reliably identify the underlying cause of connectivity issues in bridged networks, leading to complex troubleshooting processes due to potential loops, blocked management interfaces, and unreachable devices, which are often resolved through time-consuming and error-prone manual node inspections.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising processors and logic that generates a reference model of a bridged network, determines an expected data path, and compares it to the actual data path to identify divergence points, allowing for automated detection of spanning tree failures and fault localization within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual node-by-node inspection is performed to identify network failures, then troubleshooting accuracy can be achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual reference model that copies the expected network topology and data paths from the actual bridged network. This virtual model allows automated comparison with actual network behavior, enabling accurate failure identification without manual node-by-node inspection, thus resolving the contradiction between troubleshooting accuracy and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that generates and maintains a reference model of the network topology, which acts as a mediator between the actual network state and the troubleshooting process. This intermediary enables automated failure detection by comparing expected versus actual data paths, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inspections while maintaining high accuracy
2Productivity
If automated fault detection is implemented in bridged networks, then troubleshooting time is reduced, but system complexity increases due to loop-free protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified virtual reference model that copies only the essential topology information needed for fault detection, avoiding the complexity of implementing full automated monitoring systems. This approach enables productive fault detection while keeping the system relatively simple by focusing on critical path information rather than complete network state tracking
3Stability of the object's composition
If Spanning Tree Protocol is used to prevent loops, then network stability is improved, but management interface accessibility deteriorates when loops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference model comparison mechanism that acts as an intermediary to detect loop conditions before they block management interfaces. By comparing actual data paths against the expected topology in the reference model, the system can identify loop-forming configurations early, allowing administrators to correct issues before STP blocks interfaces, thus maintaining both stability and accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is configured to generate a reference model of a bridged network representing a plurality of nodes in the bridged network, wherein each of the plurality of nodes implements a loop-free topology algorithm; determine an expected data path based on the reference model of the bridged network; receive information pertaining to an actual data path in the bridged network; and compare the expected data path based on the reference model and the actual data path in the bridged network to identify a divergence point.