Multi-Site Flow Trace Visualization via Segmented LFE Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Troubleshooting complex networks spanning multiple sites is challenging due to difficulties in visualizing flow tracing operations across these sites, which can be intricate and require efficient data message flow processing across various logical forwarding elements.
Innovation Solution
A method for presenting a visualization of flow tracing operations across multiple sites by identifying and displaying logical forwarding elements that process data message flows, using a network management and control system to aggregate flow tracing data from physical forwarding elements and generate a centralized visualization, including collapsible sections to manage complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If flow tracing data is collected from all sites and displayed in detail, then troubleshooting information completeness is improved, but visualization complexity and clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization is divided into separate site-specific sections, each showing only the LFEs relevant to that site. This segmentation allows complete troubleshooting information to be displayed while organizing it into manageable, non-cluttered sections that reduce overall visualization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes flow tracing data across multiple spatial dimensions by creating separate visual sections for each site in the federated datacenter. This dimensional organization allows comprehensive information display while maintaining clarity by separating site-specific LFEs into distinct visual zones.
2Reliability
If all logical forwarding elements across multiple sites are displayed, then troubleshooting coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to clutter
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display into site-specific sections, administrators can easily navigate and operate within each site's context without being overwhelmed by the entire federated network. Each section shows only the LFEs relevant to that site, improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive troubleshooting coverage across all sites.
3Measurement precision
If detailed flow tracing information is presented for each site, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments detailed flow tracing information into separate site-specific sections, allowing precise measurement and tracking of data message flows at each individual site while avoiding the complexity of presenting all detailed information in a single unified view.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method for presenting a visualization of a data message flow within a logical network that is implemented across multiple sites. The method receives flow tracing data regarding the data message flow from a source endpoint in a first site to a second endpoint in a second site. The data message flow is processed according to logical forwarding elements (LFEs) implemented in at least the first and second sites. For each of the sites through which the data message flow passes, the method identifies the LFEs that process the data message flow in the site. The method presents a visualization for the data message flow. The visualization includes a separate section for each site through which the data message flow passes. Each section indicates at least a subset of the LFEs that process the data message flow in the corresponding site for the section.