Automated Log Analysis for Network Test Troubleshooting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network testing environments are complex and time-intensive to set up, often resulting in errors and failures, and existing test platforms lack root cause analysis (RCA) functionality, requiring manual expertise to troubleshoot issues from log files.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that analyzes log file data using an integrated troubleshooting data store, associating error codes with resolution recommendations from standards and technical support sources, providing users with automated RCA and recommendations through a user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual review of log files is performed by network operators, then root cause analysis can be conducted, but it requires high level of technical expertise and consumes significant time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetroubleshooting accuracyVSAvoidtime to resolve issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing log files and generating root cause analysis reports without requiring manual intervention. The automated RCA system processes log data, identifies issues, and provides resolution recommendations independently, eliminating the need for expert operators to manually review logs while maintaining high troubleshooting accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual log review with an automated computational system. Instead of operators manually parsing log files, the system uses automated algorithms and data processing to perform root cause analysis, substituting human expertise with automated intelligence that operates faster and without fatigue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If test environments are set up with multiple nodes and communications protocols, then comprehensive network testing can be performed, but the setup becomes tedious, complex, and time intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidtest environment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universality by creating a standardized test environment framework that can handle multiple communication protocols and node types through a unified interface. The automated RCA system and standardized setup procedures allow the same testing infrastructure to accommodate various protocols (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular) and node configurations without requiring separate complex setups for each scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter changes to simplify test environment setup by allowing operators to configure testing through standardized parameters and templates rather than manually configuring each node and protocol connection. The automated system adjusts technical parameters based on selected test scenarios, transforming complex multi-protocol configurations into simple parameter selections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If test platforms generate log files for debugging, then error information is captured, but the platforms lack root cause analysis functionality requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror information captureVSAvoidtroubleshooting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by automatically processing log file data and generating root cause analysis results that are fed back to operators through a user interface. The automated RCA system continuously monitors log data, identifies patterns and root causes, and provides actionable feedback with resolution recommendations, transforming raw error information into intelligent insights without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated RCA system as an intermediary between log file generation and operator analysis. This intermediary layer automatically processes raw log data, performs root cause analysis, and presents simplified findings to operators, eliminating the need for operators to directly interpret complex log files while preserving all error information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11281521B1Methods, systems and computer readable media for troubleshooting test environments using automated analysis of log file data

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for troubleshooting using automated analysis of log file data. A method for troubleshooting test environments using automated analysis of log file data occurs at a data analyzer. The method includes receiving a log file data comprising information indicating at least one error code; determining, using the log file data, an analysis algorithm, and an integrated troubleshooting data store comprising associations between error codes obtained from a standards body or technical specification data source and resolution recommendations obtained from a technical support data source, at least one resolution recommendation; and providing, via a user interface, the at least one resolution recommendation to a user.