Network Topology Discovery via Resource Control Point Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distance-vector routing protocols, such as EIGRP, provide limited network topology information, making it difficult to monitor and adjust network paths, especially in packet-based networks like the Internet, where efficient resource utilization is crucial due to bursty data transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a resource control point to analyze advertised routes and metrics from network elements using protocols like OSPF and BGP, determining the nexthop information to create a network topology map, thereby enhancing monitoring and adjustment capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If distance-vector routing protocols are used for routing, then routing functionality is provided, but network topology information is limited making monitoring difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology informationVSAvoidnetwork monitoring difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network element that acts as an intermediary between the distance-vector routing protocol and the monitoring system. This intermediary collects detailed topology information from routing protocol advertisements and makes it available to the monitoring system, thereby resolving the information limitation without changing the underlying routing protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the network topology information by having the network element collect and store detailed topology data from routing protocol advertisements. This copied information can then be used for monitoring purposes without affecting the actual routing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If packet-based networking is used for efficient resource utilization, then resource efficiency is improved, but route monitoring and fault detection become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidroute monitoring difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network element continuously collects routing information and provides it to the monitoring system. This feedback loop enables the monitoring system to track route changes and detect faults in real-time, maintaining monitoring capability in dynamic packet-based networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network element serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the dynamic packet-based network and the monitoring system, collecting detailed topology information that would otherwise be unavailable and making it accessible for monitoring and fault detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8750166B2Route topology discovery in data networks

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 NECTAR HLDG

AI summary

A system and method for performing topology discovery in a data network is provided. Network elements utilizing a distance-vector protocol, such as EIGRP, advertises routes and metric information. A resource control point or other element analyzes the advertised routes and metrics and determines the nexthop, thereby providing a topology map of the network.