Network Status Evaluation via Multipath Probing and Baseline Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication networks face complexity in detecting and fixing performance issues due to multiple routes and endpoints, making it difficult to determine the location of issues within the network.
Innovation Solution
A method to evaluate network reachability and performance metrics through multipath probing, using a baseline to compare current metrics, and applying root cause analysis to identify nodes and links contributing to performance degradation, with the ability to dynamically adjust thresholds based on historical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple routes and endpoints are used in the communication network, then service availability and flexibility are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and locating performance issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network monitoring task by assigning specific monitoring responsibilities to different network entities (clients, intermediaries, endpoints). Each entity monitors its local connections and reports status, dividing the complex network-wide monitoring into manageable segments that can be independently analyzed to locate performance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary network entities (routers, switches, proxies) that act as mediators between clients and endpoints. These intermediaries monitor traffic passing through them and provide visibility into network conditions, enabling detection of performance issues without requiring direct client-endpoint communication analysis.
2Reliability
If multiple paths are used to reach the endpoint service, then network redundancy is improved, but the complexity of determining the location of performance issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system segments the multiple network paths into individual monitored segments, with each network entity reporting on its specific connection status. This allows the complex multi-path network to be analyzed as separate, manageable segments, reducing the complexity of determining which specific path or segment is causing performance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network entities continuously report their status and performance metrics. This real-time feedback enables dynamic monitoring of multiple paths, allowing the system to automatically identify which redundant path is experiencing issues without manual analysis of the complex network topology.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive network monitoring is implemented across all entities, then performance issue detection accuracy is improved, but the amount of data to be processed and analyzed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential performance metrics and status information from each network entity, rather than collecting all possible data. Each entity reports specific indicators (connectivity status, latency, error rates) that are sufficient for detecting performance issues, reducing the overall data volume while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system implements local quality control by having each network entity monitor and report only the specific parameters relevant to its function and position in the network. This reduces redundant data collection while ensuring that critical performance indicators are captured with appropriate precision for their specific context.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for a service network status in a communication network are provided. A method may include deriving a baseline or a threshold for network performance of at least one endpoint in a network. The method may also include evaluating a service network status of the network by comparing current performance metrics of the at least one endpoint to the baseline or the threshold. In addition, the method may include determining, when the evaluated service network status is degraded, at least one node or at least one link that is causing the service network status to be degraded using a root cause analysis.