VoIP Network Bandwidth Monitoring via Softswitch and SNMP Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods to measure and manage bandwidth consumption in VoIP networks, particularly in determining load on individual links and overall network utilization, which hinders efficient network operation and management.
Innovation Solution
A network monitoring system that collects and calculates bandwidth utilization data from softswitches and routers, providing real-time metrics and alerts for link utilization, allowing for proactive management and rerouting of traffic to prevent over-utilization and failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional SNMP traps and gets are used to monitor network status, then network element status can be gathered, but the ability to determine actual link utilization and call flow bandwidth consumption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that collects data from multiple sources (SNMP for link status, softswitch for call flow information) and integrates them into a unified monitoring platform. This intermediary reconciles the disconnect between network layer data and voice layer data, enabling accurate bandwidth consumption measurement by correlating call flow information with actual link utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate monitoring approaches (SNMP-based network monitoring and softswitch-based call monitoring) into a unified monitoring framework. By combining link status data, call flow data, and bandwidth consumption data into a single system, the patent enables comprehensive visualization of network utilization and call flow impacts on specific links.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of all network links and call flows is implemented, then accurate bandwidth utilization data can be obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional modules: data collection components (SNMP agents, softswitch interfaces), data processing components (bandwidth calculation engines, correlation algorithms), and presentation components (visual displays, alert systems). This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
3Productivity
If detailed call flow tracking is performed to determine bandwidth consumption, then network utilization can be optimized, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where bandwidth consumption data is continuously calculated from call flow information and fed back to the monitoring interface. This feedback loop enables dynamic updates of network utilization status, allowing operators to see real-time impacts of call flows on specific links and make immediate routing adjustments to optimize network performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A first set of bandwidth utilization data comprising a bandwidth utilization for one or more links in a network is determined. Also, a second set of bandwidth utilization data comprising a bandwidth utilization for one or more media paths in the network is determined. At least some of the first set of bandwidth utilization data is compared to at least some of the second set of bandwidth utilization data, thereby providing information useful for monitoring the network.