Graph-Based Network Statistics Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network infrastructure management systems face challenges in efficiently processing and storing network statistics, leading to increased storage consumption and complex data retrieval due to the need for individual table entries for each resource, especially with network virtualization and increased data traffic.

Innovation Solution

The system determines network statistics attributes using a graph-based approach, where counters are configured for pairs of adjacent nodes, reducing the need for individual table entries and minimizing storage consumption by calculating attributes based on data packets transferred between nodes, thereby enhancing storage efficiency and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual table entries are stored for each resource in network infrastructure, then network statistics can be retrieved, but storage consumption increases and data retrieval becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork statistics retrievalVSAvoidstorage consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual resource statistics into aggregate network segment statistics. Instead of maintaining separate table entries for each resource (VM, host, network adapter), the system consolidates statistics at the network segment level, reducing storage requirements while enabling efficient retrieval of network-wide performance data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal graph data structure that can represent multiple types of network resources and their relationships. This graph-based approach provides a multi-functional framework that can store and retrieve statistics for various resource types without requiring separate storage mechanisms for each resource category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If individual table entries are stored for each resource in network infrastructure, then network statistics can be retrieved, but data retrieval complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork statistics retrievalVSAvoiddata retrieval complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual resource statistics into aggregate network segment statistics. Instead of maintaining separate table entries for each resource (VM, host, network adapter), the system consolidates statistics at the network segment level, reducing storage requirements while enabling efficient retrieval of network-wide performance data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by storing aggregate network segment statistics rather than individual resource statistics. This inversion simplifies the data model by eliminating the need for complex joins and aggregations across multiple individual resource tables, making retrieval more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If network virtualization and increased data traffic are implemented, then network functionality is enhanced, but storage space is consumed at a faster rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidstorage space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges individual resource statistics into aggregate network segment statistics. Instead of maintaining separate table entries for each resource (VM, host, network adapter), the system consolidates statistics at the network segment level, reducing storage requirements while enabling efficient retrieval of network-wide performance data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic graph data structure that can adapt to network virtualization and increasing data traffic. The graph structure dynamically represents network segments and their relationships, allowing the system to handle enhanced network functionality and virtualized environments without proportionally increasing storage consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10868728B2Graph-based network management

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Example techniques of network infrastructure management are described. In an example, a network statistics request may be received by a network device. The network statistics request indicates a network resource and a network statistics attribute to be determined for the network resource. The network resource is one of a node and a data path in the network infrastructure. The network statistics attribute is indicative of information on flow of data packets at the network resource. A graph is generated based on the network statistics request. The graph depicts vertices corresponding to nodes in a network segment associated with the network resource and edges corresponding to communication links between pairs of adjacent nodes in the network segment. Based on the graph and a network statistics attribute for a pair of adjacent nodes, the network statistics attribute for the network resource, may be determined.