Network Topology Determination Using Layer-Two Control Protocols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network management systems rely on manual input or extensive scanning to determine network topology, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in large or dynamic networks, as they lack efficient methods to gather and display connectivity information between network elements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an element manager that collects connectivity information using layer-two control protocols like LLDP, OAM, and LACP packets from network elements, allowing for progressive determination and display of network topology, enabling real-time updates and error detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input or extensive scanning is used to determine network topology, then complete network topology information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology information accuracyVSAvoidtime to determine network topology

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Network elements automatically provide their own connectivity information through layer-two control protocols (LLDP, OAM, LACP) without requiring external scanning or manual input. Each network element autonomously generates and transmits topology data to the element manager, eliminating the time-consuming ping scanning process while maintaining accurate topology information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Layer-two control protocols serve as intermediaries that facilitate automatic topology discovery between network elements and the element manager. These protocols carry connectivity information through the network infrastructure, enabling efficient topology determination without direct manual intervention or extensive active scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual input of connection information is used, then network topology can be determined, but it is prone to errors and not suitable for dynamic networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology accuracyVSAvoidease of network management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Network elements automatically generate and transmit their own connectivity information through layer-two control protocols, eliminating manual configuration requirements. This self-service approach ensures accurate topology data is collected directly from the network elements themselves, reducing human error while maintaining ease of operation as no manual intervention is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously collects connectivity information from network elements through automated protocols, providing real-time feedback to the element manager. This feedback mechanism ensures topology information remains accurate and current, automatically adapting to network changes without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If extensive scanning is performed to gather connectivity information, then complete topology data can be obtained, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity information completenessVSAvoidcomplexity of topology determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Network elements autonomously provide complete connectivity information through standardized layer-two control protocols, eliminating the need for complex external scanning processes. The element manager simply receives and processes the information that network elements voluntarily transmit, dramatically simplifying the topology determination process while ensuring complete connectivity data is obtained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The element manager uses universal layer-two control protocols (LLDP, OAM, LACP) that can extract connectivity information from multiple different network element types through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to obtain complete topology data without requiring element-specific scanning procedures, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8805982B1Progressively determining a network topology and using neighbor information to determine network topology

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 WORLD WIDE PACKETS INC

AI summary

An element manager and programming collect a first element topology from a first element among a plurality of elements in a network. The first element topology describes only connections between the first element and other elements of the plurality directly connected to the first element. The element manager and programming collect a second element topology from a second element among the plurality of elements. The second element topology describes only connections between the second element and other elements of the plurality directly connected to the second element. The element manager and programming merge the element topologies collected from the elements into a single network topology describing connections between the plurality of elements.