Network Topology Validation via Bipartite Graph Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in managing and maintaining converged infrastructure systems lies in the manual and time-consuming setup of network fabrics, which can lead to errors and difficulties in achieving conformance with design specifications, especially in large and complex network environments, where run-time errors and device failures can alter network topologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automated techniques, including a discovery engine, record engine, and network topology analysis engine, to automatically discover network devices, learn topological relationships, and validate network topologies against expected types, identifying configuration errors and anomalies in network fabrics, particularly using graph analysis and bipartite graph properties to classify nodes and detect improper connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual setup of network fabrics is performed, then flexibility in configuration is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering network devices and validating topologies before full deployment. The discovery engine proactively identifies devices and the validation engine checks topology conformance in advance, preventing errors before they affect operations and reducing reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The network fabric setup performs self-service through automated discovery and validation. The discovery engine automatically identifies network devices without manual input, and the validation engine autonomously checks topology conformance, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy and reducing time consumption.
2Measurement precision
If manual validation of network topology is performed, then detection of configuration errors is improved, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation engine implements continuous feedback by automatically comparing discovered network topologies against expected topology types. This real-time validation provides immediate feedback on configuration errors, maintaining high detection accuracy while eliminating manual validation time and labor requirements through automated analysis.
3Productivity
If automated discovery techniques are implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network management functions into distinct modular components: a discovery engine for device identification, a validation engine for topology verification, and role identification modules. This segmentation improves productivity by enabling specialized automated processing while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns and independent module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components that facilitate automated discovery and validation without requiring complex direct interactions between all system elements. These intermediaries manage the complexity by providing standardized interfaces and abstraction layers between the discovery engine, validation engine, and network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A network topology analysis and validation system and technique are provided. In some implementations, the system may obtain information in real-time mode or as an off-line data set. The information being representative of a defined network topology type for a computer network and communication connections for devices within the computer network. The computer network analysis may be performed on a subnet of a larger network. A communication topology of the computer network may be compared with the expected (defined) network topology using bipartite and bi-colorization techniques to classify nodes of the computer network. After classification, anomalous communication connections (not in conformance with a standard for the defined network topology) may be identified and colored for presentation to a system administrator. Anomalous communication connections may initiate an alert, event, or alarm, via a system administration monitoring system for real-time notification.