Centralized Switch Control for Scalable Packet Recording
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling network switches from different vendors is challenging due to incompatibilities in operating systems and control protocols, and monitoring network traffic becomes inefficient as networks grow in size and complexity, requiring multiple taps and monitoring devices that increase costs and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A centralized cross-platform controller server manages disparate network switch equipment through controller clients, enabling efficient network traffic monitoring by forwarding tapped packets to packet recorders and visibility tools, with scalable storage and analysis capabilities using a monitoring network controlled by a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional network taps are deployed at each network location to monitor traffic, then network traffic monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple network tap functions into a single centralized network tap device. Instead of deploying separate taps at each monitoring location, one tap captures traffic from multiple network segments and forwards copies to multiple monitoring devices through a shared network infrastructure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized network tap device performs multiple functions: it captures traffic from multiple network locations simultaneously, distributes copies to multiple monitoring devices, and manages packet routing through a switching network. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated tap hardware at each location
2Measurement precision
If multiple network taps and monitoring devices are deployed to monitor networks as they grow, then network traffic monitoring coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into shared resources. A single network tap serves multiple monitoring devices, and a shared switching network distributes traffic efficiently. This consolidation reduces the quantity of hardware needed compared to traditional one-to-one tap-and-monitor configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The network tap creates multiple copies of captured packets and distributes them through the switching network to different monitoring devices. This copying mechanism allows multiple monitors to analyze the same traffic without requiring separate physical tap hardware for each device
3Measurement precision
If network taps are deployed at each location to monitor traffic, then network traffic monitoring capability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges packet capture and distribution functions into a centralized architecture. A single tap handles traffic from multiple locations, and a shared switching network efficiently distributes packets to multiple monitors, eliminating redundant hardware and improving overall resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The switching network acts as an intermediary between the centralized tap and multiple monitoring devices. It efficiently routes packet copies to different monitors based on their needs, optimizing resource distribution and avoiding the inefficiency of dedicated point-to-point connections
Data Source
AI summary
A packet forwarding network may include switches that forward network packets between end hosts. A monitoring network may be coupled to the forwarding network. A controller may control switches in the monitoring network to forward network packets tapped from the forwarding network to one or more packet recorders. The packet recorders may store the tapped packets and the controller may query the stored packets at a later time. The controller may analyze queried packets to monitor the operation of the packet forwarding network and, if desired, to display graphical visualizations associated with the packet forwarding network. If desired, the controller may instruct the packet recorders to replay the tapped packets to network visibility tools through the monitoring network. The controller may coordinate storage and query operations across multiple packet recorders using the monitoring network so that the packet storage capacity and recording rate may be scaled up over time.