Forwarding Element Probing Engine for Network Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting malfunctions in forwarding elements of network elements, such as routers and switches, is challenging due to complex interactions between elements and the network fabric, as self-diagnosing mechanisms may not catch all issues, especially in large and modular networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a forwarding element probing engine that generates and processes probing packets with recirculation routes to continuously monitor the health of forwarding elements, allowing for the detection of malfunctions by regenerating and processing returned packets to identify non-operational elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-diagnosing mechanisms are used to monitor forwarding elements, then the monitoring process is simple, but detection precision is insufficient to catch all malfunctions in complex network environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probing packets as intermediary objects to carry diagnostic information through the network fabric. These packets traverse multiple forwarding elements and fabric components, enabling indirect observation of system state without requiring complex self-diagnosis mechanisms in each component. The probing engine acts as a mediator that orchestrates the diagnostic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where probing packets are sent through the network fabric and return to the probing engine with status information. The engine analyzes returned packets and generates notifications about detected malfunctions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is low, but the ability to detect malfunctions in complex interactions between forwarding elements and network fabric is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into distinct functional components: a probing engine for packet generation, a network fabric for transmission, forwarding elements for processing, and a notification system for reporting. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the integrated system achieves comprehensive monitoring capability through coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Probing packets serve as intermediaries that carry diagnostic information through the network fabric. These packets enable the system to detect malfunctions in complex interactions without requiring direct observation mechanisms between forwarding elements, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring of all forwarding elements is implemented, then detection coverage is improved, but processing time and system resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic probing where the probing engine sends diagnostic packets at regular intervals rather than continuously monitoring all forwarding elements simultaneously. This periodic action maintains comprehensive detection coverage over time while reducing instantaneous processing time and resource consumption by distributing the monitoring load across multiple time periods.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the invention relates to a method and system for probing forwarding elements of network elements.