Network Management System for MPLS VPN Node Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectivity services provided by third-party service providers offer limited management capabilities for MultiProtocol Label Switching (MPLS) VPN networks, making it difficult for administrators to effectively manage and diagnose issues within these networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that discovers status and configuration information for nodes grouped by a service provider, assigns names to these nodes, and stores this information for use in managing MPLS VPN networks, allowing for inventory management, fault detection, and prioritization of repair tasks based on service level agreements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If third-party service providers provide connectivity services for MPLS VPN networks, then network connectivity and service provider capabilities are improved, but management capabilities and administrative control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network management system as an intermediary between the service provider's MPLS network and the customer's network infrastructure. This mediator discovers and monitors VPN instances, LSPs, and network nodes, providing comprehensive management capabilities despite the service provider's limited native management features. The system acts as a bridge that translates and manages network elements across the service boundary.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If comprehensive status and configuration information is collected for all network nodes, then network management and fault diagnosis capabilities are improved, but information processing complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function by discovering and monitoring individual VPN instances and their associated LSPs separately. Each VPN instance is treated as a distinct manageable entity with its own set of LSPs and network nodes. This segmentation allows the management system to process and analyze information in manageable units rather than as one large complex dataset, reducing processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
3Reliability
If network administrators have full visibility and control over MPLS VPN networks, then network integrity and security are improved, but service provider autonomy and system simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network management system automatically discovers VPN instances, identifies LSPs, and monitors network nodes without requiring manual configuration or deep service provider intervention. The system autonomously gathers status and configuration information, performs fault detection, and provides management capabilities while respecting the service provider's autonomous control over the MPLS network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for managing network nodes, such as the nodes of a network, which communicate via connectivity services of a service provider. An exemplary method includes discovering status and configuration information for each set of nodes grouped by the service provider; and assigning a name to each set of nodes.