Centralized IP/MPLS Connectivity Verification Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying connectivity in IP/MPLS communications networks are manual, time-consuming, and error-prone, especially in large networks, and do not effectively ensure adherence to service level agreements in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A centralized connectivity verification framework that includes a server and application for scheduling and performing unattended connectivity verification jobs, comparing results to desired profiles, and generating alarms, while providing a network map for selected results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual connectivity verification methods are used, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but time consumption and operational errors increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity verification speedVSAvoidtime required for verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service connectivity verification by allowing network elements to autonomously perform ping and traceroute tests without requiring manual intervention from network operators. The verification process is automated through the management network, which schedules and executes tests between network elements automatically, eliminating the need for manual command execution while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic systems. Instead of operators manually executing verification commands, the system uses automated software components that schedule, execute, and analyze connectivity tests through the management network, substituting human operations with electronic automation to improve speed and reduce errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If centralized automated verification is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification automation levelVSAvoidverification framework structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management network element serves multiple functions: it acts as both a data network element and a verification controller, scheduling connectivity tests, executing ping and traceroute operations, collecting results, and analyzing performance parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated verification hardware, thereby managing system complexity while achieving high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The management network element functions as an intermediary between data network elements, coordinating the verification process without requiring direct peer-to-peer complexity. It centralizes the verification logic and communication overhead, simplifying the overall system architecture by introducing a dedicated intermediary layer that manages the complexity of automated verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If real-time connectivity monitoring is performed, then service level agreement compliance is ensured, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSLA compliance assuranceVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic connectivity verification rather than continuous real-time monitoring. Network elements perform verification tests at scheduled intervals determined by the management network element, allowing SLA compliance to be monitored over time without requiring constant network traffic. This periodic approach reduces network overhead while maintaining reliable SLA assurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The management network element performs preliminary scheduling and coordination of verification tests, determining optimal test timing and parameters before execution. By pre-planning verification activities and using TTL-based packet routing to efficiently traverse the network, the system reduces unnecessary network traffic while ensuring comprehensive SLA monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7487240B2Centralized internet protocol/multi-protocol label switching connectivity verification in a communications network management context

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 WSOU INVESTMENTS LLC

AI summary

A framework for connectivity verification is provided. The framework includes a connectivity verification server performing unattended connectivity verification, and a connectivity verification application, both the connectivity verification server and connectivity verification application operating in a network management context. Connectivity verification jobs are defined via the connectivity verification application and the connectivity verification server is configured accordingly. Connectivity verification jobs can also be scheduled. The connectivity verification application also provides a display of connectivity verification results. The results of each connectivity verification job may be compared against a desired connectivity profile and deviations from the connectivity profile being used to raise alarms. Connectivity verification results, including alarm information, are further used to highlight displayed managed communications network entities on a network map displaying selected connectivity verification results. The advantages are derived from using the connectivity verification framework to automate connectivity verification testing at reduced operational costs.