Intelligent Network Path Probing with Multi-Protocol Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional synthetic network probing techniques face challenges in obtaining a complete and accurate picture of network paths due to the diversity of packet types and network heterogeneity, often resulting in failed traces and incomplete insights, which hinders the understanding and optimization of network performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intelligent network path probing mechanisms that use a multi-probe approach, leveraging machine learning to select and combine diverse synthetic probe protocols and configurations, allowing for a comprehensive characterization of network paths and detecting configuration changes to adapt probing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synthetic network probing techniques use packet characteristics identical to applications being measured, then measurement accuracy is improved, but trace completion rate deteriorates due to failed traces and incomplete network insights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path probing into multiple independent probe types (ICMP, UDP, TCP) that can be sent separately to different hops. Each probe type is independently configured and evaluated, allowing the system to overcome the limitation of single-probe-type failures by combining results from multiple segmented probing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the probing packets by varying protocol types (ICMP, UDP, TCP), TTL values, and packet characteristics across different probe iterations. This parameter variation allows probes to successfully traverse network segments that might block or drop probes with fixed characteristics, thereby improving trace completion while maintaining measurement accuracy through selective data aggregation.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-protocol probing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to diverse network conditions and packet types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal probing mechanism that can perform multiple probe types (ICMP, UDP, TCP) through a single configured system. The path probing service is designed to handle diverse protocol types and network conditions through unified configuration files and processing logic, making the system adaptable to different network environments without requiring separate specialized tools for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the probing system to automatically select and switch between different protocol types based on network conditions and hop characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts probe configurations, TTL values, and protocol selections during execution, enabling it to adapt to heterogeneous network environments rather than following a static single-protocol approach.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive path tracing with multiple probe types is implemented, then network path visibility is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring probe parameters, protocol selections, and TTL values before actual path tracing begins. Configuration files define probe types, destinations, and routing parameters in advance, allowing the system to execute comprehensive multi-protocol probing without real-time decision overhead, thus reducing processing time while maintaining complete path visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating multiple probe packets with identical payload characteristics but different protocol types and TTL values. These copied probes traverse the network path simultaneously or sequentially, gathering comprehensive visibility data without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby reducing processing time while achieving complete path tracing information.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a device identifies a configuration change in a network based on path probing data obtained by a path probing service from the network. The device causes, based on the configuration change, the path probing service to obtain updated path probing data from the network by sending synthetic probes along a path in the network using a plurality of different protocols. The device selects, based on the updated path probing data, a particular protocol from among the plurality of different protocols to use to probe the path. The device configures the path probing service to probe the path using the particular protocol.