Dynamic Event Correlation in MPLS Networks via Service Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MPLS networks, existing root cause analysis methods fail to effectively correlate events and determine the root cause of network outages due to dynamic changes in network topology and lack of information about relationships between event messages.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for correlating network events in MPLS networks by tracking dynamic routing information and representing events as a directed acyclic graph, associating routes with links, and determining causal dependencies between events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hierarchical network topology is used for root cause analysis, then fault correlation is simplified, but the method becomes invalid in networks with dynamic topology or MPLS networks where hierarchical relationships do not exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static hierarchical topology-based correlation to dynamic service-path-based correlation. The system continuously tracks service path definitions and dynamically correlates events based on current service paths rather than fixed network hierarchy, enabling adaptability to changing network conditions and MPLS architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces service path definitions as an intermediary layer between network events and root cause determination. Instead of directly correlating events through network topology, the system uses service path information as a mediator to associate events with affected services, enabling effective correlation in flat or dynamic topologies where traditional hierarchy does not exist.
2Loss of information
If network monitoring devices receive multiple event messages, then comprehensive fault information is obtained, but the ability to determine relationships between events is lost due to lack of contextual information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary correlation analysis by maintaining service path definitions and using them to pre-establish relationships between events before full fault analysis is required. The system proactively tracks which services depend on which network paths, so when events occur, the relationships are already known and can be immediately applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses service path definition information as feedback to continuously update event correlation. As service paths are defined or modified in the network, this information feeds back into the correlation engine, which then uses this updated knowledge to accurately associate new events with affected services, maintaining event relationship information throughout network operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect a method for correlating network events in a network comprises correlating the events relating to paths with events relating to links traversed by paths. In another aspect, the method includes correlating the events based on whether paths traversing the network share network resources, such as links. Preferably, the method is implemented in a network where paths traversing the network change dynamically in response to other network events and based on traffic engineering priorities.