SANMetrics Scalable Network Analysis for Protocol Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protocol analyzers lack the capability for intelligent analysis, relying on manual inspection and being inefficient in diagnosing network failures, especially in complex network configurations like Fibre Channel (FC) systems, which require advanced protocol analysis tools to optimize configuration and diagnose faults effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of an expert analysis tool, SANMetrics, which automatically analyzes network traces from protocol analyzers, supporting FC, FCP-SCSI, Gigabit Ethernet, IP, TCP, and iSCSI traffic, providing detailed error, behavioral, and statistical analysis through a software package that includes a plurality of expert analysis features and a scalable method for analyzing multilayer protocol frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used for network trace analysis, then the analysis can be performed with simple tools, but the productivity and efficiency of diagnosing network failures is low
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis tool automatically performs network trace analysis without requiring manual inspection by operators. The system self-services by implementing automated protocol parsing, topology discovery, and anomaly detection algorithms that independently analyze captured network traffic and generate diagnostic reports, eliminating the need for manual trace examination while maintaining high diagnostic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection processes with automated computational analysis. Instead of operators manually examining trace files, the system uses computer-based algorithms to automatically parse protocols, reconstruct topologies, and identify network issues, substituting human manual labor with automated digital processing to dramatically improve productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing protocol analyzers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the capability for intelligent analysis and protocol support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis tool implements multi-protocol support within a single unified platform, capable of analyzing multiple network protocols simultaneously. The system incorporates universal parsing mechanisms that can handle different protocol types (FC, Ethernet, IP, TCP, etc.) through a common architecture, allowing one tool to perform multiple protocol analysis functions that previously required separate specialized instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the analysis functionality into modular protocol-specific parsers and processing components. Each protocol type has its own dedicated analysis module that can be independently configured and executed, allowing the system to handle complex multi-protocol environments by breaking down the overall analysis task into manageable protocol-specific segments while maintaining integrated operation
3Productivity
If automated analysis tools are implemented, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization and structuring of trace data before detailed analysis. It automatically parses raw capture files, organizes data into standardized formats, pre-identifies protocol boundaries, and prepares structured representations of network traffic. This preliminary processing stage automates routine data preparation tasks, enabling faster subsequent analysis without requiring complex real-time processing during the actual diagnostic phase
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a scalable method for analyzing a network. The method includes generating a data trace representative of the network, determining a topology for the network from the data trace, and sequentially analyzing each frame in the data trace to determine at least one of network errors, warnings, and metrics. The analysis of each frame generally includes analyzing a first protocol layer of the frame with a first expert engine, determining if a second protocol layer is present in the frame, passing the frame to a second expert engine, and passing the frame to additional expert engines if the frame contains additional protocol layers.