Diagnostic Traffic Generation for SDN Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networks, troubleshooting network issues caused by software changes is challenging due to increased complexity and indirections, requiring effective diagnostic tools for verifying connectivity and performance across multiple layers.
Innovation Solution
A framework for diagnostic traffic generation that allows for debugging at multiple vantage points, using software-defined tracing and measurement (SD™) to emulate test traffic and analyze network performance, separating test and normal traffic to determine system health and identify issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized network components are implemented on general purpose hardware, then network flexibility and scalability are improved, but troubleshooting complexity increases due to increased indirections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing framework that injects test traffic at multiple vantage points between the virtualized network functions and the underlying hardware infrastructure. This intermediary layer provides structured observation points that cut through the indirections created by virtualization, enabling systematic troubleshooting without sacrificing the flexibility benefits of virtualized networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network testing approach by implementing multiple independent test injection points at different layers (L2, L3, and application layer). This segmentation allows isolated testing of specific network functions and layers, making troubleshooting more manageable by dividing the complex virtualized system into testable segments rather than treating it as an undifferentiated whole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software changes are implemented across network components, then network functionality is improved, but network reliability deteriorates due to potential software issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing actions by automatically injecting test traffic before and during software changes. The system establishes baseline performance metrics through pre-change testing, then compares post-change performance against these baselines to detect reliability issues introduced by software updates, enabling proactive identification of problematic changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor network performance metrics during software changes. The system collects performance data from multiple vantage points, analyzes deviations from expected behavior, and provides feedback that can trigger automatic troubleshooting or alert operators to reliability issues caused by software changes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple vantage points are used for debugging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal testing framework where a single multi-functional test injection system operates at multiple vantage points simultaneously. The same testing infrastructure can inject and monitor traffic at L2, L3, and application layer points, eliminating the need for separate specialized testing systems for each layer and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A framework in a cloud network that may allow for debugging at multiple vantage points at different layers (e.g., layer 2, layer 3, etc.). The methods may provide tracer or measurement services that filter, capture, or forward flows that may include packets, calls, or protocols to look for particular signatures.