Probe Devices for Real-Time Multi-Node Debug Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-processor/multi-node networks, existing monitoring tools are slow to react, leading to loss of debugging data, especially when concurrent timestamped data from multiple nodes is required, and current solutions like LAN sniffers overflow quickly and require post-processing, failing to trigger data collection based on error occurrence.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using probe devices that monitor packet communications in real-time, triggering data collection at remote nodes as soon as an error is detected, ensuring dynamic collection of debug data at the time of first error detection without manual intervention, utilizing synchronized timing clocks and probe links to instruct nodes to collect pertinent data or halt operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passive data collection using LAN sniffers is used, then data collection coverage is improved, but data buffer overflow occurs quickly and packets of interest are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions probe devices at strategic network points and pre-configures buffer memory at each node before errors occur. This allows the system to be ready to capture data immediately when trigger conditions are met, preventing buffer overflow by having pre-allocated storage capacity ready at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements active monitoring where probe devices continuously analyze network traffic and provide feedback about error conditions. When trigger conditions are detected, the system automatically triggers data collection at relevant nodes, creating a feedback loop that prevents packet loss by responding dynamically to actual error conditions rather than passively collecting all data.
2Measurement precision
If manual monitoring and data collection is used, then data collection precision is improved, but reaction speed deteriorates and debugging data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where probe devices autonomously monitor network traffic, detect trigger conditions, and automatically trigger data collection at nodes without human intervention. The nodes themselves execute the data collection locally when triggered, eliminating the delay inherent in manual monitoring while maintaining precise control over what data is collected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures trigger conditions and data collection parameters before errors occur. When conditions are met, pre-programmed automation immediately initiates data collection, eliminating reaction delays while maintaining the precision of targeted data gathering through pre-defined collection criteria.
3Device complexity
If static data capture definitions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates and concurrent data from multiple nodes cannot be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function into distributed probe devices at network points and local collection agents at each node. Each segment operates with simple, pre-configured rules, but together they provide sophisticated multi-node data collection capability. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple while the system as a whole achieves high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe devices and node agents are designed as universal components that can monitor and collect data from multiple different node types and protocols. The standardized interface and trigger condition framework allow the same basic architecture to adapt to various network configurations and error conditions, providing versatility without increasing individual component complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product for dynamically debugging a multi-node network comprising an infrastructure including a plurality of devices, each device adapted for communicating messages between nodes which may include information for synchronizing a timing clock provided in each node. The apparatus comprises a plurality of probe links interconnecting each node with a probe device that monitors data included in each message communicated by a node. Each probe device processes data from each message to determine existence of a trigger condition at a node and, in response to detecting a trigger condition, generates a specialized message for receipt by all nodes in the network. Each node responds to the specialized message by halting operation at the node and recording data useful for debugging purposes. In this manner, debug information is collected at each node at the time of a first error detection and collected dynamically at execution time without manual intervention.