Network system health monitoring using cantor set signals

• US 7,283,480 B1
• Filed: 11/12/2002
• Issued: 10/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: Whittaker, G. Allan
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, BRIAN D
• Application Number:
  US10/293,384
• Time in Patent Office: 1,799 Days
• Field of Search: 370/241, 370/242, 370/245, 370/252
• US Class Current: 370/245
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways

Abstract

Non-invasive systems and methods monitor network system health by monitoring signals inherently on the network. These signals are deciphered and characterized using Cantor set theory such that a signature of the network is determined. Variations in the characteristics of the reflected signals indicate a network event, such as changes in network topology often due to device degradation, system failure, or physical intrusion. The source of the reflected signals can be characterized and the location on the network identified.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a network, comprising:

receiving signals traveling within the network;

detecting Cantor set signals contained within the signals traveling within the network;

monitoring the Cantor set signals;

detecting changes in the Cantor set signals; and

determining that a network event has occurred when changes are detected in the Cantor set signals;

wherein the network event is detected by monitoring the Cantor set signals on the network.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein detecting changes comprises determining if the Cantor set signals exceed a threshold value.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein receiving signals comprises receiving signals inherently traveling on the network.

4. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein monitoring comprises periodically detecting the Cantor set signals.

5. A method for monitoring a health of a network, comprising:

mapping a physical topology of a network;

detecting Cantor set signals traveling within the network;

determining a signature of the network from the Cantor set signals, the signature reflecting a health of the network at the physical topology which has been mapped;

monitoring the Cantor set signals;

detecting changes in the Cantor set signals from the signature; and

detecting a network event from the changes in the Cantor set signals.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5, further comprising determining a characteristic of the network event.

7. The method as set forth in claim 5, further comprising determining a source of the network event.

8. The method as set forth in claim 5, further comprising determining a cause of the network event.

9. The method as set forth in claim 5, further comprising initiating a reactive measure in response to the network event.

10. The method as set forth in claim 9, wherein the reactive measure is a corrective measure for correcting the network event.

11. The method as set forth in claim 5, where monitoring of the Cantor set signals is performed continually.

12. The method as set forth in claim 5, where monitoring of the Cantor set signals is performed intermittently.

13. The method as set forth in claim 5, further comprising determining Cantor set signals that are missing from the signature.