Scalable InfiniBand Diagnostic Tool for Switch Performance Testing

The patent segments the large-scale network into hierarchical groups (pods, tiers, layers) based on topology data. Instead of diagnosing each switch individually, the system organizes switches into manageable segments that can be tested collectively. This reduces diagnostic complexity by grouping switches into hierarchical structures where tests can be performed at multiple levels of abstraction.

The patent creates a universal diagnostic framework that works across different network topologies and scales. The same high-level test methodology can be applied regardless of network size or specific configuration, making the diagnostic process scalable and topology-agnostic. This multi-functional approach allows a single diagnostic system to handle various network configurations without requiring topology-specific customizations.

The patent performs preliminary actions by first conducting high-level aggregate tests across groups of switches before drilling down to individual switch diagnostics. The system uses topology data to pre-organize switches into testable groups and performs initial broad assessments. Only when anomalies are detected does the system proceed to more time-consuming detailed individual switch tests, significantly reducing overall diagnostic time while maintaining measurement precision for problematic areas.

The patent applies partial action by performing comprehensive tests on only the necessary subset of switches rather than all switches in the network. The high-level diagnostic framework identifies specific groups or individual switches that require detailed testing based on aggregate performance metrics. This selective approach maintains measurement precision for critical components while avoiding unnecessary testing of healthy switches, thereby reducing total diagnostic time.

The patent segments the network into hierarchical groups (pods, tiers, layers) that can be tested collectively. Instead of individually testing every switch and port, the system organizes switches into segments that share common characteristics or physical groupings. This allows failure detection to be performed at the segment level first, then narrowed down to specific switches and ports only when necessary, maintaining failure location precision while preserving system productivity.

The patent performs preliminary aggregate tests at the group level before conducting individual port error detection. By first testing groups of switches collectively using topology-based methodologies, the system can identify problematic segments without immediately invoking time-consuming individual port tests across the entire network. This preliminary filtering action maintains the ability to locate failures precisely while minimizing the impact on system productivity.