Automated Server Dependency Mapping via Process Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping dependencies between servers and applications in a networked computing environment is complex due to the large number of interdependent servers and processes, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming results.
Innovation Solution
Servers gather communication data, including network and process information, which is transmitted to a computing device to determine server-to-server and application-to-application relationships, providing a comprehensive and reliable dependency map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to map dependencies between servers and applications, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but the results become inaccurate and time-consuming due to the large number of interdependent servers and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dependency mapping process into multiple automated components: agents deployed on individual servers to collect local process and network data, a central coordinator to aggregate data from multiple servers, and automated correlation algorithms to determine dependencies. This segmentation enables accurate mapping of complex multi-server dependencies without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time consumption.
2Reliability
If comprehensive dependency data is collected from all servers in a large multi-server system, then the completeness and reliability of dependency information improves, but the complexity of gathering and processing the data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated agents as intermediaries deployed on each server to collect process information, network connection data, and application logs. These agents serve as local mediators that gather data without requiring direct access to other servers, then transmit consolidated information to a central coordinator. This intermediary approach enables comprehensive data collection across distributed servers while managing system complexity through standardized agent-coordinator communication protocols.
3Loss of information
If manual processes are used to track server communications and application interactions, then the implementation cost is low, but the completeness of dependency information deteriorates due to the sheer volume of data that must be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where automated agents on each server independently monitor local processes, network connections, and application interactions without human intervention. The agents automatically collect process IDs, network socket information, file access patterns, and application logs, then transmit this data to the central coordinator for aggregation and analysis. This self-service approach ensures complete dependency information is captured across all servers while eliminating the need for manual data collection operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a computer-implemented method includes determining, by one or more processors, a server dependency between a first server and a second server of a multi-server system, where determining the server dependency comprises identifying a bilateral communication between the first server and the second server. The method also includes determining, by the one or more processors, for the determined server dependency, an application dependency between a first application executed at the first server and a second application executed at the second server based on first process information associated with the first application and second process information associated with the second application, and generating data that indicates at least one of the determined server dependency and the determined application dependency.