Automated Network Topology Discovery via Graph Traversal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual discovery and mapping of network elements and network topology in complex telecommunications networks are time-consuming and costly, especially in large networks with thousands of elements, and do not effectively utilize defined rings and chains for network management.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for discovering logical network elements involves building a cache of protection mechanisms, creating a network graph based on physical links, traversing the graph to determine connected components, and classifying these components as rings or chains based on cyclic properties, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual discovery and mapping of network elements is performed, then network topology can be mapped, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-discovery of network elements and topology mapping by having network devices autonomously provide their configuration information and connectivity data through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in data collection and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (operators physically configuring and documenting network connections) with automated electronic systems that use software agents, database queries, and protocol-based communication to discover and map network topology automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual definition of rings and chains is performed, then network paths can be defined, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies and defines rings and chains by analyzing network connectivity data and topology relationships, allowing network structures to be self-configured based on detected patterns rather than requiring manual specification of each path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses templates and pattern recognition to automatically replicate standard ring and chain configurations across multiple network segments, allowing once-defined patterns to be copied and adapted throughout the network without redefining each instance manually
3Measurement precision
If manual network element discovery is performed in large networks, then all network elements can be identified, but the process may take days to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large network into smaller manageable segments or zones, allowing parallel discovery processes to operate simultaneously in different segments, thereby maintaining comprehensive coverage while significantly reducing overall discovery time through concurrent processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal discovery protocols and standardized data formats that can be applied across all network elements regardless of type or location, enabling a single automated process to efficiently handle diverse network components without requiring specialized manual procedures for each element
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automated discovery of logical network elements in a communications network speeds up and reduces the cost of discovering network elements and mapping network topology of network inter-connections. The method comprises the steps of building a cache of protection mechanisms in the communications network, building a network graph based on physical links of the communications network, traversing the network graph, comprising the step of, at each vertex of the network graph, determining whether there is a deterministic path that leads to a next vertex of the network graph, performing a depth first search on the network graph to determine connected components of the network graph, and creating the logical network elements based on the connected components of the network graph.