Network Health Checker for Datacenter Topology and Link Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined datacenter (SDDC) networks, the complexity of network troubleshooting is exacerbated by the lack of proper network topology diagrams and proactive network health monitoring systems, leading to errors and misdiagnoses due to manual data collection and the absence of tools for monitoring network overlay links.
Innovation Solution
An automated framework that dynamically learns the logical network topology and monitors the health of configured links by using a topology generator and health monitor, which identifies logical connections between network entities and proactively checks reachability, latency, and MTU issues using spoof ICMP packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual data collection is used to gather network topology information, then the process is simple to implement, but errors and misdiagnoses increase due to human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system automatically collects topology information from network devices without requiring manual data entry. The system queries devices directly, retrieves configuration data, and builds topology diagrams autonomously, eliminating human errors associated with manual data collection while maintaining ease of implementation through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual data collection process with an automated electronic system that uses software agents to query network devices, collect configuration information, and generate topology diagrams automatically, substituting human manual effort with automated computational processes that improve accuracy while remaining easy to implement
2Device complexity
If no proactive network health monitoring system is implemented, then the system complexity is reduced, but network issues are only detected after damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary health checks by continuously monitoring network parameters such as packet loss, latency, and bandwidth utilization before actual network failures occur. This proactive monitoring detects potential issues early, allowing preventive actions to be taken before damage happens, while adding only moderate system complexity through scheduled monitoring tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring system continuously collects network performance data, compares it against threshold values, and triggers alerts when anomalies are detected. This closed-loop feedback system enables timely detection of network issues while maintaining manageable complexity through automated threshold-based decision-making
3Measurement precision
If automated topology generation is implemented, then topology accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The topology generation system is divided into modular components: device discovery agents, configuration parsers, topology builders, and diagram generators. Each module performs a specific function independently, improving accuracy through specialized processing while managing complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, independently maintainable segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal topology generation framework that can handle multiple network device types (routers, switches, firewalls) and various configuration formats through a single integrated system. The system uses standardized data models and abstraction layers to process diverse input formats uniformly, achieving high accuracy across different network scenarios without proportionally increasing system complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If manual topology collection is performed, then the initial setup is simpler, but engineering time and resources are wasted in repeated attempts to obtain correct topology information
Solution Approach 1:
The automated topology generation system performs self-service by automatically discovering network devices, collecting configuration data, and generating accurate topology diagrams without requiring engineering intervention. This eliminates the repetitive back-and-forth communication with customers to obtain topology information, significantly improving engineering efficiency while maintaining simple initial setup through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous automated topology discovery and updates, ensuring that topology information is always current without requiring repeated manual collection efforts. This continuous operation eliminates wasted engineering time by automatically maintaining accurate topology data, improving productivity while keeping the initial setup simple through automated onboarding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the time and resources required for network troubleshooting by providing accurate topology diagrams and proactive health monitoring, reducing errors and misdiagnoses, and enabling timely identification of network issues.
Implementation Method 1
The health monitor sends the spoof Internet control message protocol (ICMP) packets to the destination VMs
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a network topology map in a datacenter comprising a network manager server and a set of host machines is provided. Each host machine hosts a set of data compute nodes (DCNs). The method receives information regarding the configuration of each of a set of logical networks from the network manager server. Each logical network is connected to several DCNs. The method identifies logical connections configured between the DCNs using the configuration of the overlay networks. The method generates a network topology map based on the identified logical configuration. The network topology identifies the DCNs that are connected to each overlay network. The method displays the network topology map on a graphical user interface.