Network Service Path Mapping via Traffic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network service path mapping relies on inventory systems that are prone to inaccuracies due to human error and failure to update equipment changes, leading to incomplete or inaccurate determinations of network service paths.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that map network service paths by analyzing network traffic data stored in an aggregated database, using device identifiers to query interactions between endpoint devices and network elements, and applying configuration data and architectural rules to determine the order of network elements within the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inventory systems are used to map network service paths, then the mapping process is simple to implement, but the accuracy and completeness of path determination deteriorates due to human error and failure to update equipment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inventory-based mapping (mechanical system) with automated network traffic analysis using probes and database queries. The service path mapper automatically discovers paths by analyzing traffic data between endpoint devices, eliminating human error and ensuring real-time accuracy without sacrificing implementability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables network devices to automatically report their own traffic interactions to the database, and the service path mapper automatically queries and processes this data. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous updates without manual intervention, maintaining both accuracy and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If inventory systems are used to map network service paths, then the implementation process is straightforward, but the reliability of path information deteriorates due to outdated equipment data
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where network probes monitor traffic in real-time, update the traffic database with current interactions, and the service path mapper continuously queries this data. This feedback mechanism ensures path information remains reliable and current while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-deploys network probes throughout the infrastructure to continuously collect traffic data before it is needed for path mapping. This preliminary action ensures that when path determination is required, accurate and up-to-date information is already available in the database, enhancing reliability without complicating operations.
3Device complexity
If manual inventory updates are used, then the system complexity is low, but the completeness of network service path mapping deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inventory updating with automated network traffic analysis. Probes continuously monitor and report actual traffic flows to a centralized database, which the service path mapper then queries to construct complete and accurate service paths. This eliminates human error while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network probes as intermediary devices that automatically collect and report traffic data between endpoint devices and the service path mapper. These probes serve as mediators that capture complete path information without requiring manual intervention, ensuring completeness while keeping the overall system architecture simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve methods and systems for mapping network service paths between endpoint devices of a network. An aggregate network traffic database is used to store network traffic data retrieved from network devices of a network. A network service mapper then queries the database using endpoint device identifiers corresponding to endpoint devices to determine which network devices interacted with the endpoint devices during provisioning of previous network service instances. The set of network devices is then compared and analyzed to determine one or more network service paths between a pair of endpoint devices. In certain implementations, network architecture rules and/or network device configuration data is also analyzed to determine an order of the network devices along the one or more network service paths.