Network Topology Discovery via Interface Prefix Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for discovering the topology of computer networks, particularly in IPv6 networks, are inadequate as they fail to effectively identify and associate interface addresses with corresponding subnets, leading to incomplete network connectivity understanding.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves identifying interface addresses in a node's address table, comparing their prefixes with an address prefix table, and associating subnets with interfaces based on these comparisons, utilizing Management Information Bases (MIBs) such as the interface MIB table, address MIB table, address prefix MIB table, net-to-media MIB table, and routing MIB table to obtain topology information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for discovering network topology are used, then the process is simple, but the accuracy of identifying interface addresses with corresponding subnets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The topology discovery process is segmented into distinct phases: collecting interface address information from MIB tables, extracting prefix information, comparing prefixes to identify subnet associations, and building topology representations. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently while improving overall accuracy without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary data structures including address prefix tables and comparison results that mediate between raw interface address data and final topology representations. These intermediaries enable systematic comparison and association of interfaces with subnets, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable process complexity.
2Loss of information
If interface addresses are compared with address prefix tables to associate subnets with interfaces, then network connectivity understanding is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing interface address information and prefix data in MIB tables before the actual topology discovery process. This preliminary data preparation allows the comparison phase to proceed more efficiently, reducing processing time while maintaining complete connectivity information through systematic comparison of pre-organized data.
3Measurement precision
If Management Information Bases are utilized to obtain topology information, then accuracy of address-subnet association is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention leverages the multi-functionality of existing Management Information Bases (MIB tables) that already store interface address, routing, and network information for various purposes. By utilizing these pre-existing universal data structures, the system achieves accurate address-subnet association without adding significant complexity, as the same MIB tables serve both their original functions and the new topology discovery function.
Data Source
AI summary
A topology or connectivity of a computer network is discovered by identifying interface addresses in an address table of a node in the network, comparing prefixes of the interface addresses with prefixes in an address prefix table of the node, and associating subnets in the network with interfaces corresponding to the interface addresses, based on the comparing.