Unified Network Management System for Heterogeneous Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex communications networks face challenges in fault detection and management due to varying network technologies, management approaches, and the integration of proprietary and third-party devices, which complicates end-to-end monitoring and reporting.
Innovation Solution
A web-based network management system that provides a unified interface for gathering and displaying data from diverse network elements, using customizable displays and supporting multiple data methodologies, enabling real-time performance monitoring, fault detection, and auto-correction capabilities while accommodating both proprietary and off-the-shelf devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unified network management system is implemented to monitor diverse network elements, then end-to-end network monitoring capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to integrating multiple proprietary and third-party devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network management system as an intermediary layer between diverse network elements and operators. This NMS uses standardized protocols (SNMP, WMI, OAM) to communicate with various proprietary and third-party devices, translating their different reporting mechanisms into a unified monitoring interface, thereby improving end-to-end monitoring without directly increasing operator-facing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The network management system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple network element types through a single interface. It can monitor transport devices, interfaces, servers, and various network components using universal data gathering methodologies, allowing one system to perform multiple monitoring functions across heterogeneous devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data gathering methodologies are used to support diverse network elements, then compatibility with proprietary and OTS devices is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts data gathering parameters based on the type of network element being monitored. It can switch between different methodologies (SNMP for transport devices, WMI for Windows-based systems, OAM for service monitoring) and modify query parameters according to device specifications, enabling broad compatibility while managing processing complexity through adaptive parameter selection
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of all network elements is implemented, then fault detection capability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective real-time monitoring based on fault criticality and network element importance. It applies intensive monitoring (excessive action) to critical components where immediate fault detection is essential, while using periodic or event-driven monitoring for less critical elements, thereby maintaining high fault detection capability for important services while reducing overall resource consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing fault detection and management are disclosed. A system includes a web-based interface that allows a user to access all elements of a customer service network, which spans multiple networks, departments, and external partners. The system, and thereby the user, is able to manage almost all aspects of the network, thereby giving the user end-to-end customer experience issue management. Real time and archived events are utilized, in some embodiments, for root cause analysis and/or process and/or performance improvement. Events from differing transport, platform, technology and OSI model levels are correlated for optimal customer experience monitoring alarming and analysis.