Network Fault Isolation via Congestion Point Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault isolation systems in packet switching networks are ineffective in identifying network elements causing congestion due to their NE-oriented approach, which fails to provide accurate QoS guarantees and is hindered by the lack of network architecture information.
Innovation Solution
A network-oriented fault isolation system that uses a fault isolating element with a database of data flow paths, a data gathering element, and an analyzer to collect and analyze performance information from network elements, identifying potential points of congestion without requiring customized software installation across multiple network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NE-oriented fault isolation systems are used to process data packets inside network elements, then fault detection parameters can be measured, but the system cannot identify the network element causing congestion due to lack of network architecture information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-oriented fault isolation system that acts as an intermediary between individual network elements and the fault analysis process. This system collects performance statistics from multiple NEs and combines them with network architecture information to identify POCs, resolving the information gap that prevents NE-oriented systems from locating congestion sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-network-element perspective to a multi-dimensional network-wide perspective by aggregating performance data across multiple NEs and analyzing them in the context of network topology. This dimensional shift enables identification of congestion points that individual NEs cannot detect alone.
2Ease of operation
If SNMP manager device processes high-level transmission protocol to establish performance statistics, then management information can be gathered, but error information related to specific protocols carried over the high-level protocol cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault isolation function into multiple components: a network-oriented fault isolation system that handles high-level protocol statistics and protocol-specific analysis components that examine lower-level protocol data. This segmentation allows simultaneous gathering of general performance statistics and protocol-specific error information without requiring customized software in every NE.
Solution Approach 2:
The network-oriented fault isolation system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of processing both high-level transmission protocol statistics and protocol-specific error information. This universal approach eliminates the need for protocol-specific customized software in each network element while still capturing detailed error information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If over-subscription is used to offer service to more customers, then service coverage is expanded, but network congestion occurs when customers concurrently access the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network-oriented fault isolation system continuously monitors performance statistics from multiple network elements, identifies points of congestion, and provides information that enables dynamic resource allocation and congestion management. This feedback loop maintains reliability despite over-subscription by enabling rapid response to congestion conditions.
4Measurement precision
If customized software is installed in multiple network elements to enable fault isolation, then accurate fault identification can be achieved, but system complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fault isolation functionality into a centralized network-oriented system that aggregates data from standard SNMP agents in network elements. This consolidation eliminates the need for customized software installation in each NE, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining accurate fault identification through centralized analysis of aggregated performance statistics.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for fault isolation in a packet switching network, wherein a network element may be categorized as faulty when the network element is identified as a point-of-congestion in the network. One such system can be broadly summarized by a representative communication system that incorporates a fault isolating element to monitor multiple network elements. The fault isolating element includes components such as a database of data flow paths that exist in the plurality of network elements, a data gathering element that is configured to collect performance information related to one or more network elements, and an analyzer element that uses the performance information collected by the data gathering element to identify one or more network elements as points of congestion.