Method and apparatus for automating and scaling active probing-based IP network performance monitoring and diagnosis

摘要

The present invention provides a method an apparatus for adaptively refining the sampling within an IP network performance monitoring and diagnosis framework. This ability to adaptively adjust the resolution of the sampling can enable variable accuracy and detail in the related IP network analysis. The sampling resolution can be defined as, for example, the load on the network in terms of the rate of packet transmission, the statistical variance thereof and the complexity of the sampling procedure. Each sampling and analysis procedure determines one or more network parameters referred to as critical indicators. Decisions for subsequent samplings and actions are made based on the determination of these critical indicators. As such various evaluation activity levels are defined by conditions that can be checked for and detected within the context of that activity level. A feedback/feedforward process can be used to enhance the resolution of subsequent samplings, for example movement to a more detailed activity level, if the need is required. In addition, the present invention can support activities such as automated remediation wherein problems in a given IP network path that are identified during the sampling and diagnostic evaluation thereof are subsequently resolved by making changes in the path. The present invention can automate and enhance the monitoring, diagnosis and remediation processes, thereby reducing human involvement until human intervention may be required. In addition, the automatic functionality inherent within the present invention can enable the sampling to be scalable and responsive to changes in IP network conditions as they arise.