Network Analysis System Simplifies Route Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and analyzing data communication networks is complex due to frequent changes in route configurations, network elements, and protocols, often requiring trained personnel to diagnose and resolve issues.
Innovation Solution
A data network analysis system that obtains service account information to identify termination and target ports, and then retrieves and normalizes routing information from network elements, allowing for easier analysis and troubleshooting by non-technical personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network analysis methods are used to manage data communication networks with frequent protocol and configuration changes, then network functionality and flexibility are maintained, but the complexity of network management and analysis increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a mediator between the complex network infrastructure and the end users. This system includes a gateway server and a user interface that automatically translate complex network protocols and configurations into simple, user-friendly displays. The intermediary handles the complexity internally while presenting simplified information to users, thus maintaining network flexibility without increasing management complexity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies or representations of the actual network state through service account information and route visualizations. Instead of requiring users to directly interact with complex network elements, the system generates simplified models that mirror the network's essential functionality. These copies allow users to analyze and manage networks without needing to understand the underlying complexity.
2Measurement precision
If detailed routing information from multiple network elements is collected and analyzed, then network troubleshooting capability is improved, but the time and resources required for network analysis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively collecting and organizing service account information, termination port data, and routing information from multiple network elements before troubleshooting is needed. The gateway server continuously maintains an updated database of network route information, so when a troubleshooting scenario arises, the analysis can be performed quickly using pre-collected data rather than gathering information in real-time during incident response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network analysis process into distinct, manageable components: collecting service account information, identifying termination ports, gathering routing information from individual network elements, and synthesizing results. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables parallel processing of multiple network elements, reducing overall analysis time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic precision.
3Measurement precision
If specialized trained personnel are used to diagnose network issues, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but operational costs and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service network diagnostics by providing automated analysis capabilities that do not require specialized human expertise. The gateway server automatically collects service account information, identifies relevant network elements, retrieves routing information, and generates diagnostic results. This self-service approach allows non-specialized personnel to perform accurate network diagnostics, eliminating the need for expensive specialized training while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through automated expert systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A data network analysis system includes a computer-executable set of instructions that obtain service account information associated with a route provided to a customer through a data communication network having network elements. Using the service account information, the instructions identify a termination port that terminates the route to a customer premises equipment of the customer, and at least one target port of the route and those network elements that are assigned to convey the route through one or more of the network elements. The instructions then obtain the routing information for the route from each of the network elements that are assigned to convey the route.