Ingress Telemetry Node Data Unit Cloning for Network Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network telemetry systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and processing data units across complex networks without disrupting the original data flow or exceeding maximum transmission unit sizes, and they often require specialized logic at endpoints for data interpretation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an ingress telemetry node to clone data units for telemetry purposes, injecting telemetry data into the cloned units, which travel alongside the original data, allowing for efficient collection of telemetry information without modifying the original data flow and avoiding the need for specialized endpoint logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If telemetry data is collected by cloning and injecting into data units, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a clone of the original data unit to carry telemetry data. The clone contains the same header information and routing data as the original, allowing telemetry collection without modifying the original data flow. This copying approach enables accurate measurement while keeping the original system unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary telemetry data unit that acts as a mediator between the original data unit and the telemetry collection system. The intermediary carries telemetry information generated by network devices along the data path, enabling measurement without direct intervention in the original data flow.
2Loss of information
If telemetry data units are injected into the network, then information completeness is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by injecting only the necessary telemetry data units into the network, rather than duplicating all data units. The telemetry clone contains only the essential header information and routing data needed for measurement, minimizing bandwidth consumption while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the telemetry data unit a partial clone that contains only the specific header fields and routing information needed for telemetry purposes, rather than copying the entire original data unit. This selective copying reduces the size and bandwidth consumption of telemetry traffic.
3Measurement precision
If data units are cloned for telemetry purposes, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a clone of the original data unit at the ingress edge telemetry node. The clone is generated from the header information of the original data unit and is injected into the network to carry telemetry data, enabling accurate measurement without affecting the original data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the telemetry data unit at the egress edge telemetry node after extracting the telemetry information. The original data unit continues to its destination unchanged, while the telemetry clone is discarded after serving its measurement purpose, minimizing impact on network productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch or other network device may be configured as an ingress edge telemetry node in a telemetry domain. The ingress edge telemetry node may clone certain data units it processes, for example in response to certain telemetry triggers being met. The ingress edge telemetry node may further inject telemetry and/or other data into the cloned data unit. The cloned data unit continues along the same path as the original data unit until it reaches an egress edge telemetry node in the telemetry domain. The second node extracts the telemetry data from the cloned data unit and sends telemetry information based thereon to a telemetry collector, while the original data unit continues to its final destination. Nodes along the path between the first node and the second node may be configured as transit telemetry nodes that insert or otherwise update the telemetry data.