Centralized internet protocol/multi-protocol label switching connectivity verification in a communications network management context
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A network management connectivity verification framework comprising:
- a connectivity verification server to perform unattended connectivity verification jobs; and
a connectivity verification application to;
define connectivity verification jobs capable of verifying connectivity in the network relating to at least Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within a given containment hierarchy for the network,control the connectivity verification server to perform the defined connectivity verification jobs, wherein the performing generates at least one of connectivity verification results,display the connectivity verification results,receive a user-input specification of a connectivity verification threshold,compare the connectivity verification results to the specified connectivity verification threshold,generate an alarm when the comparison shows that at least one of the connectivity verification results has reached the specified connectivity verification threshold,identify Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within the containment hierarchy affected by the connectivity verification results associated with the alarm, anddisplay the identified Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects.
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Abstract
A framework for connectivity verification is provided. The framework includes a connectivity verification server performing unattended connectivity verification, and a connectivity verification application, both the connectivity verification server and connectivity verification application operating in a network management context. Connectivity verification jobs are defined via the connectivity verification application and the connectivity verification server is configured accordingly. Connectivity verification jobs can also be scheduled. The connectivity verification application also provides a display of connectivity verification results. The results of each connectivity verification job may be compared against a desired connectivity profile and deviations from the connectivity profile being used to raise alarms. Connectivity verification results, including alarm information, are further used to highlight displayed managed communications network entities on a network map displaying selected connectivity verification results. The advantages are derived from using the connectivity verification framework to automate connectivity verification testing at reduced operational costs.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A network management connectivity verification framework comprising:
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a connectivity verification server to perform unattended connectivity verification jobs; and a connectivity verification application to; define connectivity verification jobs capable of verifying connectivity in the network relating to at least Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within a given containment hierarchy for the network, control the connectivity verification server to perform the defined connectivity verification jobs, wherein the performing generates at least one of connectivity verification results, display the connectivity verification results, receive a user-input specification of a connectivity verification threshold, compare the connectivity verification results to the specified connectivity verification threshold, generate an alarm when the comparison shows that at least one of the connectivity verification results has reached the specified connectivity verification threshold, identify Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within the containment hierarchy affected by the connectivity verification results associated with the alarm, and display the identified Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method implemented at least in part by a connectivity verification server for creating a network connectivity verification test, comprising the following steps:
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defining a connectivity verification job capable of verifying connectivity in the network relating to at least Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within a given containment hierarchy for the network; controlling the connectivity verification server to perform the connectivity verification job wherein the performing generates at least one of connectivity verification results; displaying the connectivity verification results; receiving a user-input specification of a connectivity verification threshold; comparing the connectivity verification results to the specified connectivity verification threshold; generating an alarm when the comparison shows that at least one of the connectivity verification results has reached the specified connectivity verification threshold; identifying Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within the containment hierarchy affected by the connectivity verification results associated with the alarm; and displaying the identified Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method implemented at least in part by a connectivity verification server for performing a network connectivity verification test in a network management context comprising the following steps:
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scheduling a connectivity verification process, the process capable of verifying connectivity in the network relating to at least Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within a given containment hierarchy for the network; receiving a user-input specification of a connectivity verification threshold; performing the scheduled connectivity verification process to generate a connectivity verification result; comparing the connectivity verification result with the user-specified connectivity verification threshold; generating an alarm when the comparison shows that the connectivity verification result has reached the specified connectivity verification threshold; identifying Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects within the containment hierarchy affected by the connectivity verification result associated with the alarm; and displaying the identified Layer-2 and Layer-3 objects. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification