Network Resource Assessment via Confidence-Based Passive Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network resource assessment methods, such as active probing, overload network resources, cause delays and service interruptions, and provide inaccurate or low-confidence measurements, especially in highly utilized networks, leading to suboptimal service quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that performs a first measurement of network resources and constructs a model of network activity to derive an estimate of confidence, allowing for reduced probing and optimized resource assessment, with the option to report measurements only when confidence is high, using passive monitoring and probabilistic models like Markov chains or Bayesian networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active probing is used to measure network resources, then measurement precision is improved, but network load increases and service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary passive monitoring of network traffic patterns and constructs activity models in advance, so that when resource assessment is needed, the measurement can be based on pre-collected data rather than requiring new active probing, thus avoiding service disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces confidence estimates as an intermediary metric that mediates between measurement precision and network load. By evaluating confidence levels based on passive monitoring data, the system can determine whether active probing is truly necessary, reducing unnecessary measurements and network traffic
2Measurement precision
If repeated probing is performed to obtain statistically accurate results, then measurement precision is improved, but network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from passive monitoring to assess confidence levels in existing measurements. When confidence is sufficiently high, repeated probing is avoided. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve statistical accuracy only when necessary, reducing overall network traffic from repeated probing attempts
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always performing full repeated probing sequences, the system applies partial action by using passive monitoring data to supplement or replace active probing. This reduces the quantity of probing traffic while maintaining measurement precision through a combination of passive and active data collection
3Reliability
If probing is performed frequently to capture dynamic network conditions, then reliability is improved, but network load increases and service interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of network traffic (which causes service degradation) into a beneficial resource by using passive monitoring of existing traffic patterns to infer network conditions. This transforms the problem of network load into a solution, where normal service traffic provides the data needed for resource assessment without additional probing overhead
4Quantity of substance
If passive monitoring is used to reduce network load, then network load is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient information
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges passive monitoring data with selective active probing to achieve both low network load and high measurement precision. The passive monitoring provides continuous background information with minimal overhead, while targeted active probing supplements this data only when confidence levels indicate measurements are needed, combining the advantages of both approaches
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is described for assessing the resources of a network by performing a first measurement to measure resources in the network, constructing a model of network activity from an assessment of activity in the network, and deriving an estimate of confidence for the validity of the first measurement from the model of network activity. The first measurement may be reported along with the estimate of confidence or the first measurement may be reported if the estimate of confidence is within a limit, otherwise a second measurement is performed and reported. The method improves delivery of services to networks by allowing a measurement of resources to be coupled to an estimate of validity of that the measurement. A system and a gateway device for assessing the resources in a network is also described.