Embedded Agents for Network Triage Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex computer networks require significant human resources and time for troubleshooting, as first line engineers need to manually collect and analyze data from network elements to identify issues, often involving multiple teams and requiring domain-specific knowledge.
Innovation Solution
The 'What Is Going On' (WIGO) system automates first line triage by querying embedded software agents in network elements, using an intelligent algorithm to analyze internal states and databases, detect misconfigurations, and direct issues to the appropriate teams, potentially suggesting fixes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual triage by first line engineers is performed, then domain-specific knowledge and human expertise are utilized to identify issues, but significant human resources and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Embedded software agents continuously collect and analyze network element data before issues manifest, performing preliminary diagnostics and identifying potential problems proactively. This allows the system to detect issues earlier in their development cycle, reducing both response time and the need for extensive manual analysis when problems do occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Software agents act as intermediaries between network elements and human engineers, automatically collecting detailed diagnostic data and preliminary analysis results. This intermediary layer filters and processes information before presenting it to human operators, reducing the time they need to spend on data collection while maintaining accurate issue identification.
2Loss of information
If manual data collection from network elements is performed, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but significant human resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
Network elements are equipped with embedded software agents that autonomously collect, organize, and analyze their own diagnostic data. These agents perform self-diagnosis and automatically generate comprehensive reports, eliminating the need for human engineers to manually collect information while ensuring complete and accurate diagnostic data is captured and analyzed.
3Reliability
If multiple internal teams are involved in second line triage, then comprehensive analysis of complex issues is achieved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The triage system is segmented into specialized software agents embedded in different network elements, each responsible for specific diagnostic functions. This segmentation allows complex issues to be broken down into manageable components that can be analyzed independently by specialized agents, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded software agents are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing various diagnostic tasks across different network elements and protocols. This universal approach consolidates multiple specialized tools into a single integrated system, reducing process complexity while maintaining the ability to handle diverse and complex network issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for performing first line triage of network issues after receiving an indication of an error in a computer network. At least one software agent in a network element of the computer network is queried. The software agent(s) are embedded in the source code for processes running on the network element. Data from the software agent(s) are received in response to the query.