Dynamic Node Grouping for Abnormal Detection in Communication Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting abnormal nodes in communication networks are not entirely reliable, often failing to detect nodes that exhibit anomalies due to their static modeling approach, which does not account for dynamic characteristics of connections.

Innovation Solution

A detection method that divides nodes into groups based on dynamic characteristics of their connections, using a set of node groups to account for parameter changes during an observation period, and employing a computational model obtained by machine learning to identify abnormal node groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static modeling is used to detect abnormal nodes, then the detection method is simple to implement, but the reliability of detection is low and abnormal nodes are not always detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static modeling to dynamic modeling of node connections. The system continuously monitors connection parameters over time, capturing temporal variations in node behavior. This allows the detection method to adapt to changing network conditions and accurately identify abnormal nodes that exhibit dynamic anomalies, thereby improving detection reliability while managing complexity through systematic approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring multiple connection parameters (such as connection frequency, duration, and data volume) over time. The system detects anomalies by identifying significant deviations in these parameters from established baselines. This multi-parameter approach enables more reliable detection of abnormal nodes compared to single-parameter static methods, addressing the reliability-complexity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dynamic characteristics of connections are taken into account, then detection reliability increases, but the complexity of the detection method increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into node groups based on their connection characteristics and behavior patterns. This grouping allows the system to analyze dynamic characteristics within smaller, more manageable subsets rather than treating the entire network as a single unit. The segmentation reduces computational complexity while maintaining high detection reliability by enabling focused analysis of abnormal behaviors within specific groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic monitoring of connection characteristics including temporal patterns, connection frequency, and data transmission rates. By continuously tracking these dynamic parameters and comparing them against learned normal behavior patterns, the system achieves high detection reliability. The complexity is managed through efficient data structures and algorithms that process dynamic information in a systematic manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If node groups are determined with group duration characteristics, then dynamic connection characteristics are captured, but the complexity of analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection characteristic measurement precisionVSAvoidanalysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the observation period into multiple time intervals and determines node groups for each interval with specific group duration characteristics. This temporal segmentation allows precise measurement of how node relationships evolve over time, capturing dynamic connection characteristics with high precision. The analysis complexity is managed by processing segmented data in manageable chunks rather than analyzing the entire time period simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by focusing analysis on specific time intervals and node groups that exhibit interesting or abnormal characteristics, rather than uniformly analyzing all nodes throughout the entire observation period. This approach achieves high measurement precision for critical periods while reducing overall analysis complexity by avoiding unnecessary processing of normal, unchanging node behaviors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4024819B1Detection method, associated computer program product and detection system
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 THALES SA
  • EP4024819B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4024819B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4024819B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for detecting at least one group of abnormal nodes among a plurality of nodes (N1, ... N6) of a communication network (2), the nodes (N1, ... N6) of the communication network (2) being connected to each other by communication links (6), each node (N1, ... N6) being configured to establish at least one connection with at least one other node (N1, ... N6) of the communication network (2) by the respective communication link (6), said detection method comprising the following steps: - receiving data relating to each connection between the plurality of nodes (N1, ... N6) during an observation period, - determining a set of groups of nodes, - determining, for each group of nodes, at least one parameter characterizing the set of connections implemented within the group of nodes, - obtaining said group of abnormal nodes.