Cross-Domain Link Discovery via Traffic Flow Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining cross-domain links between router ports and optical ports in data networks are inefficient and inaccurate due to misalignment in measurement intervals, leading to outdated network inventory information and incorrect traffic count disparities.
Innovation Solution
A method that compensates for interval misalignment by generating difference values based on packet counts from router and optical ports, using algorithms to determine cross-domain links by comparing these values to predetermined thresholds, and selecting the appropriate results to identify connected ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to obtain network inventory information, then operators can collect data, but the information becomes outdated and inaccurate (more than 10% error rate)
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-discovery of cross-domain links through packet count analysis. Network devices automatically report their packet counts, and the controller autonomously processes this data to identify links, eliminating the need for manual inventory collection and ensuring both accuracy and timeliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inventory methods with an automated electronic system. Instead of physically checking connections, the system uses electronic packet count data from network devices to automatically discover and verify cross-domain links, significantly improving accuracy while maintaining timeliness.
2Extent of automation
If LLDP protocol is used to automatically detect connections, then link discovery is automated, but it cannot reliably detect links between router ports and optical ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces packet count data as an intermediary indicator to indirectly detect cross-domain links. Instead of attempting direct protocol-based detection between router and optical ports, the system uses packet count comparisons as a mediator to infer the presence of links, achieving both automation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from protocol-based signaling (LLDP) to traffic flow-based measurement (packet counts). By monitoring and comparing packet count parameters across different port types, the system can reliably detect cross-domain links that traditional protocols miss, while maintaining full automation.
3Reliability
If packet counts are compared from router and optical ports, then cross-domain links can be identified, but misalignment in measurement intervals causes traffic count disparities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting packet count data from multiple intervals before making link identification decisions. Instead of relying on a single potentially misaligned measurement, it accumulates data across several intervals and uses aggregate comparisons, ensuring accurate link detection despite interval misalignment issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discovering a cross-domain link between ports in a network implements different compensation algorithms based on differences in the intervals used to obtain traffic flow information at the ports. A first compensation algorithm discovers the cross-domain link when the intervals have different sizes. A second compensation algorithm discovers the cross-domain link when the intervals are misaligned. The algorithms may be implemented by a cross-domain coordinator which recites count information from network devices that include the ports.