Multiplex communications – Network configuration determination – Using a particular learning algorithm or technique
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-08
2002-02-12
Kizou, Hassan (Department: 2662)
Multiplex communications
Network configuration determination
Using a particular learning algorithm or technique
C370S390000, C370S432000, C709S242000, C382S157000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06347079
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for path identification in a communication network and, in particular, to apparatus and methods for identifying the route followed between a source unit and a destination unit through a data communication network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A communication network includes multiple network elements which are connected together into a single entity by a set of links. Each link joins together two distinct network elements. The network allows end-user data to be transmitted to a network element. The data is then transferred across the network, through a subset of the links and network elements, and is regenerated at another network element.
The network provides one or more levels of service for the end-user data which is carried over same. These levels of service may be dictated by the needs of the end-user. The level of service may also control the amount of data which can be transferred by the end-user, the speed at which the data passes through the network, and the probability that the data will be discarded by the network during transfer.
In creating and maintaining a communication network, it is necessary for the network operator to be able to ensure that end-user data is being communicated across the network in the intended manner. This requires that the network operator be able to accurately identify how the network elements are connected to one another as well as to ascertain the identity of the path which the end-user data follows as it passes through the network. Without this capability, the network operator cannot be certain that end-user data is being received by, and only by, the intended recipient(s) of that data. Further, there should be assurance that the data is being transferred at the desired service quality which is requested by the end-user.
One approach to solving this problem is to query the network's configuration management system so as to identify the path which the end-user data has been instructed to follow through the network. The information in the configuration management system, however, may not necessarily reflect what is actually happening within the network. As a result, it is entirely possible that end-user data may flow in a different manner than that intended by the configuration management system.
Problems of the above nature may arise as the result of hardware problems which may arise within the network, software problems which may arise within the network, or those problems which may arise through human error. In this regard, apparatus and methods are needed, for determining network configuration as well as path identification in a communication network, which overcome the shortfalls associated with existing systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for identifying the path of connections through, and the topology of, a communication network or a data network. The present invention accomplishes path identification by injecting management data traffic into the connection at any network element or node along the path. The present invention may be utilized in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) systems, packet switched networks and other communication networks.
The apparatus includes a source unit, a plurality of network elements or nodes, a network management element and a destination unit. The network elements or nodes may be linked to adjacent network elements by any one or more of wire links, wireless links, optical communication links, satellite links, analog communication links, digital communication links, personal communication services links, etc. The network elements may be linked to the components of the apparatus or network via any suitable communication medium. The network elements may be linked together in any contiguous network topology, including a complete or incomplete mesh, star, ring, line, or other type of configuration. The network elements are controlled or managed by the network management element which may control or manage any number, or group, of network elements.
In the apparatus, the source unit communicates with the destination unit via the network of network elements. The communication between the source unit and the destination unit is provided through a connection through the network elements. The data flow between the source unit and the destination unit is bi-directional so as to facilitate communication between the source unit and the destination unit and vice versa.
The direction of the data flow between the source unit and the destination unit is defined as the “forward” direction, while the direction of the data flow between the destination unit and the source unit is defined as the “backward” direction.
The network elements are also operatively connected to the network management element. The network management element provides command and control signals to the network elements so as to control and/or monitor the operation of same when, and if, desired.
The network elements may include a central processing unit (CPU) and an associated memory storage device. The CPU of the network element performs various processing routines during apparatus operation. The network element also includes a receiver, a transmitter and a data storage element. The network element also includes a data routing device.
The receiver receives data from the network along one or more links. The data router routes the data to the transmitter, or to the CPU, or both, in accordance with the intended destination, or the intended use, for the data. The transmitter may transmit data to the network along one or more links. Data may also be temporarily stored in the data storage device during operation of the network element.
The present invention injects control data into the data which is communicated over the apparatus or network. The CPU of the network element generates control data and injects this control data into the data which is being transmitted through the apparatus or network.
Each of the network elements or nodes has assigned thereto a unique node identification code. These node identification codes serve to identify the network element.
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for identifying the path through a communication network as well as the distances between the respective network elements or nodes. A node, defined as a “trace request node”, transmits control data streams to all of the remaining nodes in the network which are defined as “responder nodes”.
The apparatus and methods of the present invention may utilize a multi-stage, control data generation and processing routine which is performed for each linked portion of the network relative to the trace request node. The data or signals may be transmitted in directions away from the trace request node. The portions of the network, which are connected to the node, may be processed independently of one another.
In a first stage of operation, the trace request node may transmit a first control data stream into each of the portions of the network, along the connection to be traced. In a second stage of operation, a second control data stream may be added by any of the responder nodes, intermediate or otherwise. The data from both of these control data streams may then be utilized by other responder nodes in order to gather connection information and topology information, as well as intermediate data, which is related to the distances of each of the responder nodes from the trace request node.
In a third stage of processing, the trace request node may transmit a third control data stream, which contains additional management data, into the network portions, thereby triggering the return of fourth control data stream responses from the responder nodes to the trace request node. These returned fourth control data streams, which may constitute a fourth stage of processing, contain distance information which is representative of the distance of each of the respective responder nodes from the trace request node. The distance informati
Ma Raymond Chi-Sing
Stephens Allan J.
Cobrin & Gittes
Kizou Hassan
Nortel Networks Limited
Pezzlo John
LandOfFree
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