Network Fault Localization via Path Violation Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network fault localization techniques face challenges in real-time identification of problematic communication links, especially in large networks, due to reliance on offline data analysis and limited support from intermediary nodes, which can lead to delayed issue detection and increased network disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for monitoring communication links by receiving path performance indicators over time, identifying path violations, and updating communication link values based on path violation values, allowing for real-time localization of faults and reducing network overhead through probability-based identification of problematic links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If offline data analysis is used for fault localization, then network disruption is minimized during analysis, but fault identification time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing network measurement data in advance, so that when a fault occurs, the data is already ready for immediate analysis. This allows real-time fault localization without interrupting network operations, resolving the contradiction between fast fault identification and network disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where measurement data is continuously collected, analyzed, and used to update fault probability assessments. This ongoing feedback loop enables real-time fault localization while the network continues to operate normally, eliminating the need to choose between analysis time and network disruption.
2Measurement precision
If traceroute functionality is used for fault localization, then path violation detection is improved, but management overhead increases due to parameter configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically collecting and analyzing network measurement data without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The automated fault localization algorithm processes measurement data independently, eliminating the need for complex parameter configuration while maintaining accurate path violation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated computational analysis. Instead of requiring manual traceroute configuration and node support, the system uses automated algorithms to process measurement data and identify faults, substituting complex manual operations with simplified automated mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If more communication links are monitored to improve fault localization accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by tailoring the monitoring approach to local conditions. Instead of uniformly monitoring all communication links, the system focuses measurement and analysis resources on specific paths and links where faults are most likely to occur, based on network topology and historical data. This localized approach improves accuracy while minimizing overall network overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by dynamically adjusting monitoring intensity and scope based on current network conditions. The fault probability thresholds and measurement collection frequencies are adapted according to network state, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy when needed while reducing overhead during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms for monitoring communication links in a network are disclosed. A device receives a plurality of path performance indicators over a period of time. It is determined that at least some of the path performance indicators identify a path violation in a corresponding path of a plurality of paths in the network. For each path performance indicator that identifies a path violation, a communication link value associated with each communication link in the corresponding path is updated based on a path violation value. The device identifies at least one particular communication link as a problematic communication link based on a comparison between a problematic link criterion and the communication link value associated with the at least one particular communication link.