Coordinating Node Link Segment Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging communication issues in computer networks is time-consuming due to the need to analyze multiple segments of links, which often involve intermediate nodes like routers and switches, and existing network tomography methods are inefficient in identifying packet loss or delay.
Innovation Solution
A coordinating node identifies unreliable segments based on previous analysis results and performs targeted analysis on these segments, sending current analysis results to the first node, thereby reducing the time required to localize faults by focusing on segments that are likely to be faulty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end-to-end debugging is performed using network diagnostic tools, then communication faults can be detected, but the debugging process becomes time-consuming due to the need to analyze multiple segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the link into multiple segments between endpoints and intermediate nodes, allowing independent analysis of each segment. This segmentation enables the system to focus debugging efforts on specific unreliable segments rather than analyzing the entire end-to-end path, thereby reducing overall debugging time while maintaining comprehensive fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis to identify unreliable segments before conducting full debugging. By using historical data and initial assessments to pre-identify problematic segments, the system prepares targeted analysis plans in advance, avoiding the need to systematically debug entire paths and significantly reducing the time required for fault localization.
2Measurement precision
If separate analysis of link segments is performed to localize faults, then the faulty segment can be identified, but the analysis process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different analysis strategies to different segments based on their reliability characteristics. Unreliable segments undergo detailed analysis while reliable segments are either skipped or subjected to lighter analysis. This localized quality approach ensures precise fault localization in problematic areas without wasting time on segments that are functioning correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs analysis only on the necessary portion of segments that are identified as unreliable, rather than analyzing all segments equally. By applying partial action only where needed, the system achieves sufficient fault localization precision without the excessive time cost of comprehensive analysis of every segment.
3Reliability
If network diagnostic tools are applied end-to-end, then communication problems can be detected, but separate segment analysis is required which increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate nodes as mediators that facilitate segment-specific analysis. These intermediaries enable the system to break down end-to-end debugging into manageable segment-level analyses, allowing parallel processing and targeted investigation that improves both communication reliability assessment and debugging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the debugging process into independent analyses of individual link segments, each handled by appropriate diagnostic tools or methods. This segmentation allows concurrent analysis of multiple segments and eliminates the sequential bottleneck of traditional end-to-end debugging, thereby improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive reliability monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a coordinating node (104) for providing at least one current analysis result relating to a link (200) are disclosed. The coordinating node (104) obtains (A060) a set of previous analysis results relating to at least one segment of the link (200). The coordinating node (104) identifies (A090) a set of unreliable segments based on the set of previous analysis results and based on a condition for defining any segment as unreliable. The coordinating node (104) performs (A120) a respective analysis of each unreliable segment of the set of unreliable segments to obtain a respective current analysis result for said each unreliable segment. Furthermore, the coordinating node (104) sends (A190), to the first node (101), the respective current analysis result. A corresponding computer program (403) and a computer program carrier (405) are also disclosed.