Telemetry Packet Routing via Segmented Datapaths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunication networks face limitations in configuring multiple destinations for telemetry data, leading to congestion and inefficient network operation due to the sharing of telemetry and user traffic paths.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where telemetry data from producing network elements is filtered and distributed to consuming elements through a set of telemetry-processing machines, establishing layer 4 connections and using packet mirrors to forward packets along separate networks, allowing for targeted distribution based on configuration data and criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If telemetry data is sent to multiple destinations through the same datapath as user traffic, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but network congestion and performance degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of telemetry destinationsVSAvoidnetwork congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network traffic into separate datapaths: one for user traffic and another dedicated path for telemetry data. This is achieved by establishing separate TCP connections for telemetry data transmission, isolating telemetry traffic from user traffic to prevent congestion in either path while allowing multiple destinations to receive telemetry data simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a management interface that coordinates telemetry data distribution. This intermediary manages the routing of telemetry packets to multiple destinations through separate network paths, acting as a mediator between the data source and multiple consumers without allowing them to compete for the same network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of telemetry destinations is increased, then more comprehensive network monitoring is achieved, but configuration complexity and system overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of telemetry destinationsVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal management interface that handles multiple telemetry destinations through a single standardized configuration mechanism. This interface can manage any number of destinations without requiring separate configuration procedures for each, allowing the system to scale to multiple destinations while maintaining consistent configuration complexity through its multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If telemetry and user traffic share the same datapath, then network resource utilization is maximized, but telemetry data quality and reliability deteriorate due to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidtelemetry data reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network traffic into distinct datapaths: user traffic maintains its original path while telemetry data is routed through separate TCP connections. This segmentation ensures that telemetry data transmission is not affected by user traffic congestion, maintaining data reliability while still utilizing available network resources through dedicated channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11665094B2Collecting, processing, and distributing telemetry data
Publication Date: 2023.05.30 VMWARE INC
  • US11665094B2 patent drawing
  • US11665094B2 patent drawing
  • US11665094B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of reporting telemetry data in a telecommunication network. The telemetry data is collected from a set of one or more telemetry-producing (TP) network elements and is distributed to a set of one or more telemetry-consuming (TC) network elements registered to receive the telemetry data. The method receives a telemetry packet produced by a TP network element and performs a filtering operation to determine whether the telemetry packet should be reported to at least a subset of one or more TC network elements. When the filtering operations result in a determination that the telemetry packet should be reported, the method forwards the telemetry packet to the subset of TC network elements.