Media Topology Probing for Collaboration Session Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Troubleshooting audio and video quality issues in geographically distributed collaboration sessions within UC networks is complex and time-consuming due to insufficient visibility and lack of granular packet flow statistics, especially across cascade links and cloud-based media nodes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism to dynamically provision observability probes across media nodes in collaboration sessions, correlating test results using session identifiers for end-to-end visibility and rapid problem isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional UC network troubleshooting methods are used, then support engineers can attempt to diagnose audio and video quality issues, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming due to insufficient visibility and lack of granular packet flow statistics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media topology into multiple testable segments by provisioning probes at specific nodes (e.g., edge devices, media nodes) along the media path. Each probe independently tests a specific segment (e.g., segment between client device and edge device, segment between media nodes), enabling granular identification of problem locations without requiring comprehensive manual troubleshooting of the entire network path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probes as intermediary testing devices that are provisioned at various nodes within the media topology. These probes act as mediators that capture and report packet flow statistics, quality metrics, and error information from their respective segments. The probes translate complex network conditions into structured observability data that can be easily analyzed, eliminating the need for support engineers to manually navigate complex network configurations.
2Measurement precision
If probes are provisioned at multiple nodes to test different segments, then granular observability is achieved, but the device complexity and provisioning overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal probing system where a single probe type can be deployed at multiple different nodes (client devices, edge devices, media nodes) throughout the media topology. Each probe performs the same core functions (capturing packet flow statistics, quality metrics, and error information) regardless of its deployment location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for node-specific customization and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the distributed nature of the probing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where probes continuously monitor their respective segments and report observability data back to a central system. This feedback loop enables automated analysis of network conditions and dynamic adjustment of probing strategies. The system processes feedback from multiple probes to identify problems, generate diagnostics, and provide actionable insights, reducing the complexity of managing distributed probes through centralized coordination and automated decision-making.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manual troubleshooting is used, then no additional testing infrastructure is required, but the ability to isolate network segments causing issues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically provisioning probes at relevant nodes before actual media traffic flows through the network. The system discovers the media topology and pre-deploys probes at strategic locations (edge devices, media nodes) to establish monitoring coverage in advance. When troubleshooting is needed, the probes are already in place and actively collecting data, eliminating the need for reactive manual setup and enabling immediate problem isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device may obtain a media topology of nodes involved in a collaboration session. The device may cause each of a plurality of probes to be provisioned to a corresponding node of the nodes involved in the collaboration session to perform a test of a corresponding segment of the media topology, and each of the plurality of probes may be associated to a session identifier of the collaboration session. The device may determine observability information based on results of the plurality of probes for each segment of the media topology, and the results may include an indication of the session identifier. The device may correlate the observability information to the collaboration session based on the indication of the session identifier.