Multi-Layer Network Topology Monitoring for Real-Time State Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for managing computer network topology are often inaccurate and costly due to reliance on outdated data, leading to inefficient network management and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing network topology that utilizes real-time state data from multiple layers of network resources, including physical, logical, and service layers, to provide a vendor-agnostic, accurate view of network resources, enabling automated decision-making and intelligent troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time state data is collected and processed to determine accurate network topology, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network topology management into multiple independent layers (physical layer, logical layer, service layer), each processed separately. This allows accurate real-time monitoring of each layer without overwhelming the system, as each layer can be managed with dedicated algorithms and data structures, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a topology manager as an intermediary component that mediates between raw network state data and the final topology determination. This intermediary processes and normalizes data from multiple sources, applying sophisticated algorithms while shielding the rest of the system from complexity. The topology manager acts as a buffer that transforms complex real-time data into structured topology information.
2Reliability
If comprehensive real-time monitoring of multiple network layers is implemented, then reliability and troubleshooting capability are improved, but loss of energy and processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts monitoring intensity and data collection frequency based on network conditions and priorities. Critical layers or anomalous states receive more intensive monitoring resources, while stable portions of the network are monitored at lower intensity. This dynamic resource allocation maintains high reliability for essential functions while reducing overall energy consumption and processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies monitoring and processing resources selectively to the most critical network layers and functions rather than uniformly across all layers. By focusing computational effort on essential topology elements and using simplified models for less critical aspects, the system achieves adequate reliability without the full energy cost of comprehensive exhaustive monitoring of every network element.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing a computer network topology by determining a real-time multi-state, multi-layer view of network resources are disclosed. In accordance with the present disclosure, a method for managing a computer network topology comprises: receiving a desired network topology for multiple layers of network resources within a computer network; receiving real-time state data from the network resources within the computer network; determining a network topology for each of the multiple layers of the network resources from the real-time state data;10 comparing, for each of the multiple layers of the network resources, the determined network topology with respect to the desired network topology; and outputting a result of the comparing indicative of whether the determined network topology matches the desired network topology for each of the multiple layers of the network resources.