Network Path Monitoring and Failure Cause Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network monitoring systems primarily focus on individual link traffic, making it difficult for operators to assess network path performance and isolate issues, especially in complex networks, where determining the cause of failures is challenging and requires extensive resource allocation for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A network path monitoring and cause of failure detection system that collects performance information from nodes and links, aggregates it across paths, processes for failure detection, analyzes root causes, and provides remediation strategies, using data processing components and interfaces to display network topologies and performance indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional link traffic monitoring is used, then individual link traffic can be measured, but network path performance cannot be effectively monitored and failure causes cannot be isolated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network monitoring into two distinct dimensions: link-level monitoring (existing capability) and path-level monitoring (new capability). By introducing path identifiers and aggregating metrics across multiple links, the system separates the functions of measuring individual link traffic from measuring end-to-end path performance, enabling both types of monitoring simultaneously without conflict
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges link-level metrics with path-level metrics by introducing a path identifier that aggregates performance information across multiple links. The system combines individual link traffic data with path routing information to create comprehensive path performance views, allowing operators to see both link-level details and path-level summaries in a unified monitoring framework
2Reliability
If more hosts are dedicated to monitoring in complex networks, then more paths can be monitored, but resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing network infrastructure elements (routers, switches, hosts) to perform multiple functions: they continue to handle their primary data forwarding roles while simultaneously collecting path performance metrics and contributing to monitoring aggregates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated monitoring hosts, as any network element can participate in path monitoring by implementing the required software components
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system leverages the existing network infrastructure to perform monitoring functions. Network elements automatically collect their own performance metrics and contribute to path monitoring without requiring external dedicated monitoring devices. The system uses the network's existing resources (processors, memory, interfaces) to gather and aggregate data, making the infrastructure self-monitoring
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional monitoring is used, then host responsiveness can be detected, but failure causes cannot be isolated to specific devices or links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of analysis by introducing path identifiers that aggregate metrics across multiple links and hops. Instead of monitoring individual links in isolation, the system creates a hierarchical view where path-level aggregates provide context for identifying failure locations. This dimensional addition enables correlation analysis between path performance and specific network elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where path performance metrics are continuously aggregated and analyzed to identify failures. When degradation is detected, the system can trace back through the aggregated data to identify which specific links or nodes are responsible, providing feedback information that guides troubleshooting and remediation actions
Data Source
AI summary
Generally described, systems and methods are provided for monitoring and detecting causes of failures of network paths. The system collects performance information from a plurality of nodes and links in a network, aggregates the collected performance information across paths in the network, processes the aggregated performance information for detecting failures on the paths, analyzes each of the detected failures to determine at least one root cause, and initiates a remedial workflow for the at least one root cause determined. In some aspects, processing the aggregated information may include performing a statistical regression analysis or otherwise solving a set of equations for the performance indications on each of a plurality of paths. In another aspect, the system may also include an interface which makes available for display one or more of the network topology, the collected and aggregated performance information, and indications of the detected failures in the topology.