ECMP Path Detection Using Entropy-Tagged Probe Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and monitoring the large number of equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) paths in complex networks is challenging due to the scale and complexity, making manual monitoring impractical and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented by a controller device in a network to detect and monitor ECMP paths using probe packets with entropy values, which are mapped to specific paths, allowing for optimized monitoring and reduced probe packet generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual monitoring methods are used to track ECMP paths, then monitoring accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity and time required for managing thousands of paths becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that automatically collects, aggregates, and processes ECMP path monitoring data from multiple sources. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of managing thousands of paths by implementing automated data collection mechanisms, path aggregation algorithms, and intelligent filtering, thereby reducing the time and effort required for manual monitoring while maintaining comprehensive coverage of all ECMP paths.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive monitoring of all ECMP paths is implemented, then complete path visibility is achieved, but the resource consumption and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into modular components including path discovery modules, data collection agents, aggregation servers, and analysis tools. Each component handles specific aspects of ECMP path monitoring independently, allowing the system to maintain complete path visibility while distributing complexity across multiple manageable modules. This segmentation enables parallel processing and reduces the complexity burden on any single system component.
3Measurement precision
If the number of probe packets is increased to detect all ECMP paths, then path detection completeness improves, but network traffic overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a partial action approach where probe packets are strategically deployed only for paths that require monitoring or have changed states, rather than continuously probing all ECMP paths. The system uses intelligent scheduling to send probe packets only when necessary, such as when path conditions change or monitoring intervals are triggered, thereby achieving complete path detection accuracy while minimizing the total number of probe packets transmitted and reducing network overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques for detecting and monitoring paths in a network. The techniques include causing a source node to generate probe packets to traverse a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network, for instance. In some examples, the probe packets include entropy values that correspond to individual equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) paths of the network. The probe packets may be received at an SDN controller from a sink node after traversing the network. Analysis of the probe packets allow path discovery and mapping of the entropy values to ECMP paths. The mapping of discovered paths may be used for optimization of network monitoring activities, including second subsequent probe packets over particular ECMP paths based on the mapped entropy values.