Edge Router Data Import via Flat File Export Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data gathering methods for network traffic measurement overwhelm the processing power of edge routers, especially in high-end networks with diverse interface types, leading to potential router malfunction and increased complexity in network management.
Innovation Solution
Configuring edge routers to export data in a flat file format at designated intervals to a designated network device, which parses and formats the data for import into a network management system, reducing processing burden and enabling efficient data import across multiple interface types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SNMP polling is used to gather traffic data from edge router, then traffic measurement capability is improved, but router processing load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data collection function from the edge router by implementing a standalone agent on the network management system that directly accesses router interfaces. This separates the measurement capability from the router processing, allowing traffic data to be collected without burdening the router's CPU with SNMP polling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary agent that acts as a bridge between the network management system and the edge router. This agent collects traffic data directly from router interfaces using low-level access methods, translating the need for precise measurement into a form that does not require heavy router processing.
2Loss of information
If BulkStats feature is used to export data for every schema, then data collection completeness is improved, but router processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective data collection where the agent gathers only the specific traffic parameters needed for management purposes, rather than exporting all possible BulkStats data. This partial action approach maintains data completeness for required metrics while avoiding the excessive processing load of comprehensive exports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration to identify which schemas and data fields are actually needed before data collection begins. This preliminary action allows the agent to pre-filter the data collection process, ensuring completeness of required data while minimizing unnecessary processing on the router.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple schemas are applied to collect data per interface type, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal agent architecture that can handle multiple interface types and protocols through a single multi-functional platform. Instead of requiring separate configuration for each schema and interface type, the agent provides unified data collection capabilities that adapt to different router interfaces, maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage while simplifying the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of importing data from an edge router including a plurality of interface types to a network management system include configuring the edge router to export a flat file containing the data at a designated time to a designated network device communicatively coupled to the edge router. The flat file includes data associated with a plurality of different ones of the interface types. The flat file is received at the designated network device. The data from the received flat file is parsed to a format configured to be imported by the network management system at the designated network device. The parsed data is provided to the network management system.