Stream Operator External Connection Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed stream processing, there is a lack of visibility into external connections made by stream operators, which can lead to undetected issues such as failed connections or malicious activities, as these connections are not directly controlled by stream computing management applications and may not be apparent without digging into trace logs.
Innovation Solution
A method to monitor network activity associated with stream applications, identify stream operators with external connections, and deploy them based on these connections, including profiling during development, filtering internal from external connections, and displaying connection information in a user interface for visibility and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stream operators make external connections to databases and messaging servers, then data can be brought into the streaming application, but visibility into these connections is lost and cannot be controlled by the stream computing management application
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring network activity and connection status of stream operators, then using this information to automatically adjust deployment decisions. The management application receives feedback about external connections and uses it to control stream operator behavior, restoring visibility and control over previously unmanaged external connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that sits between the stream operators and external connections. This intermediary captures connection information, filters internal from external connections, and relays relevant data back to the management application, enabling indirect control and visibility without disrupting the actual data flow through external connections.
2Measurement precision
If custom metrics are created for each custom source operator to monitor connections, then connection status can be tracked, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal monitoring mechanism that automatically tracks all external connections across all stream operators without requiring individual custom metrics for each operator. The single multi-functional system handles connection monitoring, filtering, and reporting for the entire stream processing application, eliminating the need for numerous separate custom metrics and significantly reducing system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If stream operators are deployed without visibility into external connections, then deployment is simpler, but security vulnerabilities and malicious activities cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and analysis of external connections during the deployment process. Before stream operators are fully deployed, the management application proactively identifies potential security risks, unauthorized connections, or malicious activities by analyzing connection patterns and characteristics. This preliminary action enables security validation without complicating the deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary monitoring layer is introduced that sits between the deployment system and external connections. This intermediary automatically filters and analyzes connection requests, blocking potentially harmful connections while allowing legitimate ones to proceed. This provides security protection without requiring changes to the deployment process itself, maintaining simplicity while preventing security vulnerabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computing device for monitoring network activity associated with streaming a data load through a stream application including a plurality of stream operators deployed on a plurality of computing devices. One or more stream operators with one or more external connections may be identified from the plurality of stream operators. The identified one or more stream operators may be deployed based upon, at least in part, the one or more external connections.