Network Topology Inference via VLAN Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network topology determination methods are computationally demanding and inefficient, especially in large networks, as they require exhaustive comparisons of address forwarding tables and do not effectively handle incomplete or absent connectivity information, nor do they account for virtual local area networks (VLANs) or aggregate links.
Innovation Solution
The method partitions the network into independent VLAN partitions and further partitions these based on nodes simply connected to selected root switches, using aggregate address forwarding tables and ancillary information to reduce combinatorial complexity and validate inferences, thereby determining the network topology more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exhaustive comparison of address forwarding tables is performed to determine network topology, then topology determination accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into multiple VLAN partitions based on VLAN identifiers present in the address forwarding tables. Each VLAN partition is processed independently to determine its topology, rather than performing exhaustive comparisons across the entire network. This segmentation reduces computational complexity while maintaining topology determination accuracy within each partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by organizing the comparison process around VLAN partitions and hierarchical levels. Instead of flat exhaustive comparison, the system performs comparisons at multiple hierarchical levels (entire network level, VLAN partition level, and individual switch level), significantly reducing the computational space that needs to be searched.
2Measurement precision
If complete address forwarding table information is required for topology determination, then topology accuracy is improved, but the system cannot handle incomplete or outdated network information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs topology determination on partial network information by processing each VLAN partition independently. Even if not all switches or address forwarding table entries are available or up-to-date, the system can still determine topology for the portions of the network that do have information, producing a partial but accurate topology map rather than requiring complete information for the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtering and organization of address forwarding table data by VLAN partition before conducting topology determination. This preliminary action identifies which partitions have sufficient information for analysis, allowing the system to proceed with available data and mark uncertain areas for later updates rather than requiring complete information upfront.
3Loss of information
If all switches and ports are analyzed to determine network topology, then completeness of topology information is improved, but processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network analysis task by VLAN partition, allowing parallel processing of multiple partitions. Each partition is analyzed independently and quickly, and the results are merged to form the complete network topology. This segmentation maintains information completeness while reducing the time required for each individual analysis task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the topology results from multiple VLAN partitions to form the complete network topology. By combining the results of independent partition analyses, the system achieves comprehensive network topology coverage without requiring sequential analysis of the entire network, thereby reducing total processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A network is partitioned into a set of independent partitions, and the topology of each partition is determined, then merged to form a topology of the entire network. Preferably, the partitioning is hierarchical, wherein the network is partitioned to form individual VLAN partitions, and each of the VLAN partitions is further partitioned based on the nodes that are simply connected to each port of one or more selected root switches within the VLAN partition. Simple connections to each port are efficiently determined based on an aggregate address forwarding table associated with each node. Ancillary information, such as spanning tree or CDP data, may be used to facilitate efficient partitioning and/or to validate inferences that are made with incomplete information.