Network Power-Cycle Logging With Persistent Diagnostic Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network administrators face difficulties in determining the cause of unexpected power-off events in network devices without sufficient diagnostic data, as these events often result in power cycling, making it challenging to diagnose and manage network device operations effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing memory circuitry in network devices to store diagnostic data persistently across power cycles, with separate partitions for pre-power-off and post-power-on data collection, allowing for comprehensive diagnostic insights through non-volatile memory and robust data recording mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If diagnostic data is collected continuously in volatile memory, then data availability for analysis is improved, but data loss occurs during power-off events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously collecting and storing diagnostic data in volatile memory before power-off events occur. The system prepares data in advance during normal operation, so when a power-off event happens, the pre-collected data can be quickly transferred to non-volatile memory without requiring complex real-time protection mechanisms during the actual power loss event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by maintaining diagnostic data in both volatile memory (for immediate access during operation) and non-volatile memory (for persistent storage). The system creates copies of the diagnostic data structure, with one instance in volatile memory for active logging and another in non-volatile memory for safekeeping, ensuring data survives power cycles.
2Loss of information
If separate memory partitions are implemented for pre-power-off and post-power-on data, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but memory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the non-volatile memory into distinct partitions: one partition stores pre-power-off diagnostic data collected during normal operation, while another partition stores post-power-on diagnostic data collected after system restart. This segmentation allows the system to maintain separate, organized data sets for different operational phases, making it easier to analyze specific time periods and reducing data mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a unified memory management system that handles both pre-power-off and post-power-on data collection through the same basic mechanisms. The same data collection infrastructure, buffer management, and transfer protocols are used for both time periods, reducing overall system complexity despite the segmented storage approach.
3Loss of information
If diagnostic data is collected after power-on event, then post-event diagnostic information is improved, but data collection time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining diagnostic data collection as an ongoing process that operates continuously across power cycles. Rather than starting fresh after each power-on event, the system continues logging diagnostic information in post-power-on partitions, ensuring no diagnostic window is missed and maintaining uninterrupted monitoring of system behavior through restart events.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device may include processing circuitry configured to record diagnostic data onto memory circuitry after a network device power-on event associated with a power cycle. The diagnostic data may include system console log output, hardware state information, and/or other types of diagnostic data obtained after the network device power-on event.