Multi-Domain Network Simulation via Automated Route Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network simulation tools face challenges in efficiently evaluating multi-domain communication networks due to high runtime and manual setup requirements, lack of flexibility, and inflexibility in modeling complex topologies, especially during early concept development stages.
Innovation Solution
A system, model, and method that utilize gateway units, unicast, multicast, and media nodes with automated route management to simulate communication networks, allowing for flexible and scalable characterization and route selection, employing an object-oriented approach to manage bandwidth and route development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high fidelity simulation packages are used to study network utilization issues, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to longer runtimes and scenario set-up times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential elements needed for network evaluation (topology, nodes, edges, domains) from complex high-fidelity simulations, creating a simplified model that maintains measurement precision for network utilization studies while dramatically reducing setup time and computational overhead by eliminating unnecessary protocol-level and physical layer details
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network model into distinct domains with standardized representations, allowing independent configuration and evaluation of different network segments. This segmentation enables modular setup procedures where each domain can be defined separately using straightforward characterization rather than requiring complete system-level configuration
2Productivity
If simpler modeling approaches are used to reduce setup time, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inflexibility and non-scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal domain model that can represent multiple network types and topologies through standardized node and edge definitions. The same basic framework accommodates different communication capabilities, domain configurations, and network architectures, providing both simplicity for quick setup and adaptability for diverse scenarios through parameter variation rather than structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic route selection capabilities within the simplified model, where routing behavior adapts based on network conditions and domain characteristics. The model allows automated message routing that can dynamically determine optimal paths through gateways and across domains, maintaining versatility without requiring manual route specification for each scenario
3Device complexity
If manual specification of message routing is used in simpler modeling approaches, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming manual user set-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated route selection mechanisms that enable the network model to self-configure routing paths based on domain topology and message destination. The system automatically determines optimal routes through gateways and across domains without requiring manual user specification, eliminating time-consuming configuration steps while maintaining simple model structure through declarative domain definitions rather than procedural routing setup
Data Source
AI summary
A system for evaluating a network having a plurality of domains, each domain embodying a respective topology, includes: (a) at least one gateway unit effecting signal handling between adjacent domains; (b) a plurality of communicating nodes coupled with the at least one gateway unit; and (c) at least one respective edge establishing a respective communication link between adjacent respective communicating nodes. At least one first selected communicating node is a unicast node. At least one second selected communicating node is a multicast node. At least one communicating node is a media node. Each unicast node is configured for handling messages addressed to the unicast node. Each multicast node is connected with at least one media node within a domain. Each media node is configured for handling messages addressed to multicast nodes connected with the media node individually or en masse.