On-Path Telemetry Collection Using Hybrid Two-Step Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telemetry data collection protocols in communication networks face challenges such as limited data capacity, inconsistency in collected information, and lack of per-service granularity, which hinder accurate monitoring and prediction of network performance and service behavior.
Innovation Solution
The Hybrid Two-Step (HTS) process involves using a trigger packet and follow-up packets with an additional shim to collect and transport telemetry data on-path within a communication network, allowing for efficient data assembly and transmission, even when the initial packet lacks sufficient space, and ensuring consistent and granular data collection across network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If telemetry data is collected using conventional protocols, then data collection is performed, but data capacity is limited and consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the telemetry data collection process into two distinct steps: (1) in-band collection where network elements embed telemetry data in data packets, and (2) out-of-band collection where a separate protocol collects additional telemetry information. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-protocol approaches by combining the advantages of both in-band (low overhead, high consistency) and out-of-band (flexible, high capacity) methods, thereby resolving the contradiction between data capacity and data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary telemetry collection mechanism that acts as a bridge between the network data plane and the management plane. The in-band telemetry data collected from network elements is processed and supplemented by out-of-band telemetry information, creating an intermediary layer that ensures both consistency (from in-band) and comprehensive capacity (from out-of-band), thus resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If in-band telemetry collection is used, then data consistency is improved, but bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively collecting telemetry data only from specific network elements and only for specific performance metrics that are most relevant to service monitoring. Instead of collecting all possible telemetry data from all network elements (excessive action), the system collects only the necessary portion in-band, thereby maintaining data consistency while minimizing bandwidth consumption. The out-of-band collection supplements this with additional information without overloading the data plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments telemetry collection into in-band and out-of-band portions, where the in-band portion handles critical consistency-requiring data with minimal bandwidth impact, while the out-of-band portion handles supplementary information. This segmentation allows the system to achieve data consistency without excessive bandwidth consumption, as each segment is optimized for its specific purpose.
3Productivity
If conventional telemetry protocols are used, then general network monitoring is achieved, but per-service granularity is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different levels of telemetry collection granularity for different services and network elements. The system can configure in-band telemetry collection to capture detailed per-service metrics at specific network elements where needed, while using out-of-band collection for broader network-wide monitoring. This localized approach to telemetry collection provides fine-grained measurement precision for individual services while maintaining overall network monitoring efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the telemetry collection system, allowing the granularity and intensity of collection to be adjusted based on service requirements and network conditions. The hybrid two-step protocol can dynamically switch between in-band and out-of-band collection modes, and adjust the level of detail collected, thereby achieving both high productivity for general monitoring and high measurement precision for specific services when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed techniques can collect and transport telemetry information on-path when a packet of a service flow traverses a communication network. The collected telemetry information can be analyzed to identify potential issues experienced by a user of a service and simplify the association of data with the service. Thus, apparatuses, methods, computer readable media, and systems are disclosed for an on-path collection and transportation of telemetry information in a communication network.