Distributed System Modeling via Layered Object Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network modeling technologies are limited by their specificity to particular network types or protocols, making it difficult to adapt models to changing network components, protocols, and configurations, and requiring additional efforts to update and maintain models for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for modeling distributed systems by representing physical and logical elements as objects, organizing them within model layers, determining behavioral relationships, and allowing information to pass through layer endpoints, enabling a general model scheme that can adapt to changing network conditions without requiring knowledge of underlying elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specifically constructed models are designed for particular network types or protocols, then the model can accurately represent that specific network, but the model cannot be easily adapted to different applications and requires additional efforts to update and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network model into multiple hierarchical layers (physical layer, data link layer, network layer, transport layer, application layer), where each layer represents specific network functions. This segmentation allows the model to maintain accuracy for specific protocols at each layer while enabling adaptability by modifying individual layers without affecting the entire model structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by organizing network elements across multiple layers, transforming a flat single-layer model into a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure. This enables the model to represent both specific protocol details (horizontal accuracy) and general network functions (vertical adaptability) simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If specifically constructed models are designed for particular network types or protocols, then the model can accurately represent that specific network, but additional efforts are required to update and maintain the models as new features are added
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the network model into standardized layers, the patent isolates maintenance tasks to specific layers rather than requiring updates across the entire model. When new features are added, only the affected layer needs modification, significantly reducing maintenance complexity while preserving model accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal layer structures that can serve multiple network types and protocols. Each layer is designed with generic components that can accommodate different specific implementations, allowing the model to maintain accuracy for various protocols without requiring separate models or extensive updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a general model scheme is implemented to allow adaptation to changing network components, then the model becomes more flexible and maintainable, but knowledge of underlying elements may be abstracted away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where generic layer models contain specific protocol implementations within them. This allows the general model scheme to provide flexibility at the higher levels while preserving detailed knowledge of underlying elements at lower levels, enabling adaptation without losing essential technical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The layered structure acts as an intermediary between abstract network functions and concrete protocol implementations. Each layer provides a level of abstraction that maintains flexibility while preserving knowledge of underlying elements through defined interfaces and relationships between layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer-program product for modeling distributed systems is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of representing selected ones of a plurality of physical and logical elements as a plurality of objects, organizing the selected ones of the objects within each of the plurality of model layers, the model layers representing at least one function of the distributed network, determining behavioral relationships among objects within each of the model layers and determining behavioral relationships among selected ones of the objects among each of the model layers, said selected objects representing layer endpoints, wherein information between model layers is passed through said layer endpoints. The apparatus recites a processor for performing the steps of the disclosed method and the computer-program product provides code or instruction to a processor for executing the disclosed method steps.