Dynamic Network Polling Frequency Based on Topology Faults

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network monitoring systems face inefficiencies due to constant polling of all network devices at a standard frequency, which can overwhelm networks, delay critical communications, and strain resources, especially during peak times, without dynamically adjusting polling frequencies based on device relationships and status.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically configures polling frequencies by mapping fault indicators to nodes in a network topology, determining related nodes, and increasing polling frequency for those nodes, thereby minimizing network traffic impact and improving monitoring sensitivity for critical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all network devices are polled at a standard frequency, then monitoring coverage is comprehensive, but network traffic is excessive and resources are strained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidnetwork traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating polling frequencies based on device characteristics and status. Critical devices and those exhibiting abnormal behavior are polled at higher frequencies, while normal devices use lower frequencies. This selective approach maintains comprehensive monitoring coverage while reducing overall network traffic and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic polling frequency adjustment based on real-time device status and topology changes. When devices exhibit abnormal behavior or when topological changes occur, the system automatically increases polling frequency for affected devices. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable monitoring of critical devices while minimizing unnecessary traffic during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If polling frequency is increased for all devices, then monitoring sensitivity is improved, but network traffic overwhelms the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring sensitivityVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating high polling frequencies only on devices that require enhanced monitoring sensitivity. Devices are categorized based on criticality and status, with only those needing heightened attention receiving increased polling rates. This localized approach improves monitoring sensitivity for critical devices without overwhelming network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by applying high polling frequencies only to specific subsets of devices rather than uniformly across the entire network. This selective intensification of monitoring allows the system to achieve high measurement precision where needed while maintaining lower polling rates elsewhere, preserving overall network productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of energy

If polling frequency is reduced to minimize traffic, then network efficiency is improved, but detection of critical issues is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork trafficVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic polling frequency adjustment that responds to device status changes. When devices exhibit abnormal behavior or when topological changes occur, the system automatically increases polling frequency for affected devices, ensuring rapid detection of critical issues. During normal operation, lower polling frequencies reduce network traffic, achieving both efficiency and timely detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where device status information and topological changes trigger automatic polling frequency adjustments. The system continuously monitors device health and network topology, using this feedback to dynamically modify polling rates. This ensures that critical issues are detected promptly while minimizing unnecessary traffic during stable periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If high polling frequency is applied universally, then fault detection is rapid, but device resources are strained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection timeVSAvoiddevice processing power
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating polling frequencies based on device criticality and status. Only devices that are critical to network operation or are exhibiting abnormal behavior receive high polling frequencies. This selective approach enables rapid fault detection for critical devices while minimizing processing overhead and energy consumption for the broader device population.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by applying intensive polling only to specific devices that require rapid fault detection. Rather than uniformly increasing polling frequency across all devices, the system concentrates monitoring resources on critical devices and those showing signs of trouble, reducing overall device resource strain while maintaining rapid fault detection capabilities where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10097433B2Dynamic configuration of entity polling using network topology and entity status
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 CA TECH INC
  • US10097433B2 patent drawing
  • US10097433B2 patent drawing
  • US10097433B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes polling a plurality of entities in a network for status information at a first polling frequency and receiving a fault indicator associated with an entity in the network. The method additionally includes mapping the fault indicator to a particular node in a network topology, the network topology comprising nodes corresponding to entities in the plurality of entities and edges describing relationships and dependencies between the plurality of entities, wherein the particular node corresponds to the associated entity for the fault indicator. The method further includes determining a set of related nodes based on connections to the particular node in the network topology, and polling corresponding entities for the set of related nodes for status information at a second polling frequency, the second polling frequency being greater than the first polling frequency.