U.S. patent application number 17/524405 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for network service assurance system.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Soshant Bali, Madhur Gupta, Ian Ku, Ashima Mangla, Raghvendra Savoor.
Application Number | 20220070076 17/524405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220070076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bali; Soshant ; et
al. |
March 3, 2022 |
NETWORK SERVICE ASSURANCE SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for performing assurance of at least one network
element in a network, the system comprising: at least one
pacemaker, wherein the at least one pacemaker is a virtual machine
in communication with a path to the at least one network element in
the network, the at least one pacemaker configured to selectively
provide an atomic workload to the path; a configuration analysis
microservice in communication with the at least one pacemaker, the
configuration analysis microservice is configured to provide a
policy to the at least one pacemaker for application of the atomic
workload and monitor a pulse from the atomic workload on the
path.
Inventors: |
Bali; Soshant; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Mangla; Ashima; (San Ramon, CA) ;
Savoor; Raghvendra; (Walnut Creek, CA) ; Gupta;
Madhur; (San Ramon, CA) ; Ku; Ian; (Fremont,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/524405 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15481092 |
Apr 6, 2017 |
11184271 |
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17524405 |
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International
Class: |
H04L 12/26 20060101
H04L012/26; H04L 29/08 20060101 H04L029/08 |
Claims
1-2. (canceled)
3. A system comprising: a pacemaker that is a virtual machine in
communication with a path to a network element in a network, the
pacemaker configured to selectively provide an atomic workload to
the path at a selected probing frequency, wherein the atomic
workload is selected from a plurality of atomic workloads dependent
on the path to be tested; and a configuration analysis microservice
in communication with the pacemaker, the configuration analysis
microservice is configured to provide a policy to the pacemaker for
application of the atomic workload and monitor a pulse from the
atomic workload on the path, wherein the pacemaker adjusts the
atomic workload based on pulse measurements on the path and wherein
the probing frequency is adjusted based on determining operation is
within specifications.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the pulse includes at least one
of: an end to end service availability, accessibility,
retainability, packet loss rate, delay, jitter, read/write, or
latency/availability, and wherein the pulse monitoring is performed
according to pacemaker agents being installed on all hypervisors in
a data plane.
5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a portal in
communication with the configuration analysis microservice, wherein
the configuration analysis microservice communicates with the
portal and the portal is configured to visualize data from the
configuration analysis microservice in near real time.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the configuration analysis
microservice is configured to update the policy within the
pacemaker to increase or decrease the selected probing
frequency.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein the configuration analysis
microservice is configured to analyze data generated from the
pulse.
8. The system of claim 3, further comprising a bus, the
configuration analysis microservice being coupled to the bus,
wherein the pacemaker is in communication with the bus.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a data store in
communication with the bus, wherein data from the pulse is stored
in the data store.
10. The system of claim 3, wherein the pacemaker includes a
controller virtual machine, an active probe virtual machine and an
agent; wherein the controller virtual machine is instantiated
within a control plane; wherein the active probe virtual machine
and agent are instantiated in a data plane, the controller virtual
machine being in communication with the configuration analysis
microservice and configured to receive a policy therefrom and
communicate the policy to at least one of the active probe virtual
machine and the agent; and wherein the policy directs at least one
of the active probe virtual machine and the agent to deliver the
atomic workload.
11. The system of claim 3, wherein the path includes a connection
to at least one of: a control plane, a data plane, a tenant
service, or a storage array.
12. The system of claim 3, wherein the pacemaker comprises an agent
having a watchdog that restarts the agent when a failure
occurs.
13. The system of claim 3, wherein the path includes an underlay
layer comprising hardware and physical connections, and wherein an
overlay layer comprises a software defined virtual network or a
plurality of virtual machines in a cloud-based network.
14. The system of claim 3, wherein the path is a path between two
machines on a same TOR or two machines on a same spine.
15. The system of claim 3, wherein the probing frequency is
decreased based on determining operation is within the
specifications.
16. A network device comprising: a processor, an input/output
device coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled with the
processor, the memory comprising executable instructions that when
executed by the processor cause the processor to effectuate
operations comprising: launching a pacemaker in a data plane;
selectively applying an atomic workload, via the pacemaker, to a
path, wherein the atomic workload is selected from a plurality of
atomic workloads dependent on the path to be tested; analyzing a
pulse from the atomic workload on the path via a configuration
analysis microservice; adjusting the atomic workload based on
analyzing the pulse on the path; and setting a probing frequency,
wherein the probing frequency is adjusted based on determining
operation is within specifications.
17. The network device of claim 16, wherein the pacemaker is an
active probe virtual machine, and wherein the network device
includes an application manager, the application manager launching
the active probe virtual machine.
18. The network device of claim 16, wherein the pacemaker is an
agent, and wherein the network device includes an application
container, the application container launching the agent in a
tenant virtual machine in the data plane.
19. The network device of claim 16, wherein the pacemaker is at
least one agent, the network device including an operation and
database manager, the operation and database manager launching the
agent in a hypervisor in the data plane.
20. The network device of claim 16, wherein the processor
effectuates further operations comprising: instantiating, via the
configuration analysis microservice, a controller virtual machine
within a control plane, the controller virtual machine in
communication with the pacemaker and configured to deliver a policy
file to the pacemaker.
21. The network device of claim 20, wherein the policy file
includes at least one of a frequency of the atomic workload and a
type of the atomic workload.
22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing
executable instructions that when executed by a computing device
cause said computing device to effectuate operations comprising:
launching a pacemaker in a data plane; selectively applying an
atomic workload, via the pacemaker, to a path, wherein the atomic
workload is selected from a plurality of atomic workloads dependent
on the path to be tested; analyzing a pulse from the atomic
workload on the path via a configuration analysis microservice;
adjusting the atomic workload based on analyzing the pulse on the
path; and setting a probing frequency, wherein the probing
frequency is adjusted based on determining operation is within
specifications.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/481,092, filed Apr. 6,
2017, entitled "Network Service Assurance System," the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to network management and,
more specifically, to assigning and configuring general purpose
hardware to support virtual network functions. More particularly,
the disclosure relates to a network service assurance system. Most
particularly, the disclosure relates to a system that includes a
virtual network device that actively probes network elements by
generating a workload and monitoring network performance in
response to the workload.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Communication networks have migrated from using specialized
networking equipment executing on dedicated hardware, like routers,
firewalls, and gateways, to software defined networks (SDNs)
executing as virtualized network functions (VNF) in a cloud
infrastructure. To provide a service, a set of VNFs may be
instantiated on the general purpose hardware. Each VNF may require
one or more virtual machines (VMs) to be instantiated. In turn, VMs
may require various resources, such as memory, virtual computer
processing units (vCPUs), and network interfaces or network
interface cards (NICs). The proliferation of VNFs in a cloud
infrastructure makes it difficult to assess root causes of failures
or perform other assessments of performance to provide performance
assurance, diagnose faults, monitor service level obligations and
the like. Consideration of the underlay network, overlay network,
control plane, storage, services, etc. contribute to the overall
assurance process. As a result, it is difficult to monitor the
various network elements to obtain an assurance for a particular
network. Moreover, the scope of monitoring presents the problem of
provisioning these activities to avoid the assurance activity
interfering with normal network function.
[0004] This disclosure is directed to solving one or more of the
problems in the existing technology.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an example, the disclosure generally includes a
system for performing assurance of at least one network element in
a network, the system comprising: at least one pacemaker, wherein
the at least one pacemaker is a virtual machine in communication
with a path to the at least one network element in the network, the
at least one pacemaker configured to selectively provide an atomic
workload to the path at a selected probing frequency; a
configuration analysis microservice in communication with the at
least one pacemaker, the configuration analysis microservice is
configured to provide a policy to the at least one pacemaker for
application of the atomic workload and monitor a pulse from the
atomic workload on the path.
[0006] Another example includes A network device comprising a
processor, an input/output device coupled to the processor, and a
memory coupled with the processor, the memory comprising executable
instructions that when executed by the processor cause the
processor to effectuate operations comprising launching at least
one pacemaker in a data plane; installing a configuration analysis
microservice in communication with the at least one agent; and
selectively applying an atomic workload via the at least one
pacemaker, to a path; and analyzing a pulse from the atomic
workload on the path via the configuration analysis
microservice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an
understanding of the variations in implementing the disclosed
technology. However, the instant disclosure may take many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set
forth herein. Where practical, like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network.
[0009] FIG. 1B is a representation of an exemplary hardware
platform.
[0010] FIG. 1C is a representation of an exemplary hardware
platform and connection paths for active probing according to an
example.
[0011] FIG. 1D is a representation of an exemplary cloud network
and connection paths for active probing according to an
example.
[0012] FIG. 1E is a representation of an exemplary virtual machine
platform showing active probing according to an example.
[0013] FIG. 1F is a representation of active probing according to
an example in a hypervisor and storage array.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a representation of a network assurance service
according to an example.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a representation similar to FIG. 2 depicting
operation of the system according to one example.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a representation similar to FIG. 2 depicting
operation of the system according to one example.
[0017] FIG. 2C is a representation similar to FIG. 2 depicting
operation of the system according to one example.
[0018] FIG. 2D is a representation similar to FIG. 2 depicting
operation of the system according to one example.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a representation of a network device according to
an example.
[0020] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary communication system that
provide wireless telecommunication services over wireless
communication networks that may be at least partially implemented
as an SDN.
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a
machine in the form of a computer system.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a representation of a telecommunications
network.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a representation of a core network.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a representation packet-based mobile cellular
network environment.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a representation of a GPRS network.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a representation a PLMN architecture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network 100.
Network 100 may comprise a software defined network or SDN--that
is, network 100 may include one or more virtualized functions
implemented on general purpose hardware, such as in lieu of having
dedicated hardware for every network function. That is, general
purpose hardware of network 100 may be configured to run virtual
network elements to support communication services, such as
mobility services, including consumer services and enterprise
services. These services may be provided or measured in
sessions.
[0028] A virtual network function(s) (VNF) 102 may be able to
support a limited number of sessions. Each VNF 102 may have a VNF
type that indicates its functionality or role. For example, FIG. 1a
illustrates a gateway VNF 102a and a policy and charging rules
function (PCRF) VNF 102b. Additionally or alternatively, VNFs 102
may include other types of VNFs. Each VNF 102 may use one or more
virtual machine (VM) 104 to operate. Each VM 104 may have a VM type
that indicates its functionality or role. For example, FIG. 1a
illustrates a management control module (MCM) VM 104a and an
advanced services module (ASM) VM 104b. Additionally or
alternatively, VM 104 may include other types of VMs. Each VM 104
may consume various network resources from a hardware platform 106,
such as a resource 108, a virtual central processing unit (vCPU)
108a, memory 108b, or a network interface card (NIC) 108c.
Additionally or alternatively, hardware platform 106 may include
other types of resources 108.
[0029] While FIG. 1a illustrates resources 108 as collectively
contained in hardware platform 106, the configuration of hardware
platform 106 may isolate, for example, certain memory 108c from
other memory 108a. FIG. 1b provides an exemplary implementation of
hardware platform 106.
[0030] Hardware platform 106 may comprise one or more chasses 110.
Chassis 110 may refer to the physical housing or platform for
multiple servers or other network equipment. In an aspect, chassis
110 may also refer to the underlying network equipment. Chassis 110
may include one or more servers 112. Server 112 may comprise
general purpose computer hardware or a computer. In an aspect,
chassis 110 may comprise a metal rack, and servers 112 of chassis
110 may comprise blade servers that are physically mounted in or on
chassis 110.
[0031] Each server 112 may include one or more network resources
108, as illustrated. Servers 112 may be communicatively coupled
together in any combination or arrangement. For example, all
servers 112 within a given chassis 110 may be communicatively
coupled. As another example, servers 112 in different chasses 110
may be communicatively coupled. Additionally or alternatively,
chasses 110 may be communicatively coupled together in any
combination or arrangement.
[0032] The characteristics of each chassis 110 and each server 112
may differ. For example, FIG. 1b illustrates that the number of
servers 112 within two chasses 110 may vary. Additionally or
alternatively, the type or number of resources 110 within each
server 112 may vary. In an aspect, chassis 110 may be used to group
servers 112 with the same resource characteristics. In another
aspect, servers 112 within the same chassis 110 may have different
resource characteristics.
[0033] Given hardware platform 106, the number of sessions that may
be instantiated may vary depending upon how efficiently resources
108 are assigned to different VMs 104. For example, assignment of
VMs 104 to particular resources 108 may be constrained by one or
more rules. For example, a first rule may require that resources
108 assigned to a particular VM 104 be on the same server 112 or
set of servers 112. For example, if VM 104 uses eight vCPUs 108a, 1
GB of memory 108b, and 2 NICs 108c, the rules may require that all
of these resources 108 be sourced from the same server 112.
Additionally or alternatively, VM 104 may require splitting
resources 108 among multiple servers 112, but such splitting may
need to conform with certain restrictions. For example, resources
108 for VM 104 may be able to be split between two servers 112.
Default rules may apply. For example, a default rule may require
that all resources 108 for a given VM 104 must come from the same
server 112.
[0034] In such networks, monitoring of hardware within D1 networks
has been performed with passive monitoring based on vendor
platforms. The addition of open source software based D2 networks
has demonstrated that failures at different layers and particularly
at a tenant layer may go undetected using traditional monitoring
systems. According to the disclosure an active monitoring approach
is used alone or in conjunction with passive monitoring to improve
fault detection. Considering the networks disclosed herein, an
underlay layer includes the hardware and physical connections
(cables). An overlay layer includes the software defined virtual
network or cloud based network. A tenant layer includes deployed
services. The various layers may also include storage elements.
According to the disclosure, a network assurance system, generally
indicated by the number 200, is provided. System 200 generally
includes at least one pacemaker agent 205. The pacemaker (PM) 205
may be a virtual machine or network device that generates an atomic
workload 206 at one end of a path 207. Pacemaker 205 measures a
pulse at the other end of the path P to determine path health. The
pacemaker 205 may adjust atomic workload 206 based on pulse
measurements and the inferred path health. In addition to active
probing, system 200 may perform passive monitoring through
measurement of performance outputs of various network elements. The
system 200 is constrained by the additional costs in terms of using
network and computing resources. To that end, to minimize this
cost, system 200 may perform active probing at off peak times and
distribute probing activity of different aspects of network to
different times.
[0035] Atomic workload 206 is a workload sufficient for measuring
path health. Depending on the path being tested, atomic workload
206 may vary. For example, a UDP/TCP echo request/response pair may
be used to test an overlay and/or underlay layer path (FIGS.
1C-1D); writing a small file and reading it from storage may be
used to test a storage layer (FIG. 1F) including i.e. vSwitch,
hypervisor, underlay network, storage array and the like; an SIP
call (session setup followed by teardown) may be used to test
virtual machines including Trinity: aSBG, BS NS, BS AS, nSBG and
the like(FIG. 1E); and a mobility management entity (MME) attach
success/failure may be used to test virtual machines including vMME
VMs. A pulse is a measurement used to determine path health from
atomic workload 206. For example, pulse may include one-way delay
measurements; read/write, latency/availability/SIP call
accessibility; MME attach success/failure corresponding to the
atomic workload examples above. As indicated by the examples,
different atomic workloads 206 may be applied to test different use
cases as illustrated more completely below. These examples,
however, are not limiting as other workloads may be applied
depending on the path or component being tested.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 1C, an example of an underlay layer U
use case is depicted. The underlay layer U employs a leaf spine
architecture with an interspine connected to a spine layer, which
in turn is connected to top of rack (TOR) switches. System 200
tests paths P within underlay layer U. Paths P may be selected to
test two machines on the same network (inter spine), two machines
on the same spine and two machines on the same TOR as shown.
[0037] FIG. 1D depicts an example overlay layer O use case. The
overlay layer O is comprised of virtual machines in a cloud based
network N. Problems in the overlay layer may not be detectable with
testing in the underlayer. According to the disclosure, system 200
performs testing within overlay layer O by applying atomic
workloads 206 to paths P within overlay layer O. FIG. 1E depicts
another example of an overlay layer use case. In FIG. 1E, virtual
machines (VM) are tested using active probing with atomic workloads
206. In this example, multiple atomic workloads 206 are applied to
perform successive tests (1,2,3) to paths P between VMs.
[0038] FIG. 1F depicts a storage performance and availability
example. In this example, system 200 tests a storage array's
performance by instantiating an active probe VM 240 (FIG. 2).
Atomic workload 206 includes a network storage, such as cinder
volume, is created and attached to active probe VM 240. Both
local(hard disk) and network storage tests may be configured for a
dwell time. After the dwell time is over, active probe VM 240 may
be migrated to another hypervisor to repeat the storage test. In
the depicted example, a test series through three hypervisors is
shown. In the example, where the hypervisor number is n, the dwell
time may be added to initial time t1 at a rate of (n-1) times a
preselected dwell time. For example, for hypervisor 2, (n-1) is
1.times. dwell time and hypervisor 3 (n-1) is 2.times. dwell time.
Testing may provide a performance value such as latency measured in
milliseconds and throughput measured in bytes per second.
Measurements for latency may include average latency, average
sequential read/write latency, average random read/write latency.
Throughput may include sequential read/write throughput, random
read/write throughput. Testing may also include availability
measurements including a percentage time storage is available.
[0039] FIG. 4 depicts an LTE network. A use case for an LTE or
similar network may be provided to test control plane
functionality. As described in more detail below, system 200 may
deploy an agent within LTE network to simulate LTE activity. For
example, system 200 may simulate LTE calls to a vMME, attach/detach
service requests, handovers, bearer activation/deactivation,
session creation, modify bearer activity and the like.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 2, system 200 may include at least
one pacemaker (PM) 205, a controller 210, a configuration analysis
microservice (CAM) 215, an agent 220 and portal 230. System may
further include an active probe VM 235. Agent 220 may be deployed
within a tenant VM 222 and hypervisor 225 as shown. Each of the
controller 210, CAM 215, agent 220 and active probe VM 240 includes
a pacemaker PM 205. Portal 230 may be a physical machine (host), a
virtual machine or mixture thereof. Portal 230 is in communication
with a universal bus (UEB) 250. A data store 260 may also be in
communication with bus 250. The example depicts deployment of the
system with a cloud network N, such as an AT&T integrated cloud
network N. Network N may further include network elements including
a software load balancer 262, an operations and database manager
such as OpsSimple 264, an application catalog, such as heat/murano
266 and an application container (AppC) 268.
[0041] In terms of distribution, at least one controller 210 may be
distributed in a control plane CP. Control plane CP may be defined
by at least one host 216 comprised of a hypervisor 211, vSwitch
212, a VM 235. In a data plane DP, at least one agent 220 may be
provided at a hypervisor 211 in a compute host 217. An active probe
VM 240 is provided within at least one compute host 217. An
additional agent 220 may further be provided in a tenant VM.
[0042] A control plane availability and performance example use
case may include using system 200 to measure control plane CB
availability and performance. In one example, system 200 may
initiate a control plane transaction periodically and monitor the
response. Example control plane transaction categories include
instance management, volume management, snapshot management,
network management, and image management. Suitable instance
management transactions include instance creation/deletion, reboot,
pause/restart, and resize. Suitable volume management includes
volume creation/deletion and volume snapshot creation deletion.
Suitable snapshot management may include active snapshot
creation/deletion and boot from snapshot. Suitable network
management may include network creation/deletion and subnet
creation/deletion. Suitable image management includes image
creation/deletion. The test may be reconfigured and repeated
multiple times to ensure all possible end to end control plane
paths are tested. Measurements for availability, accessibility and
latency may be performed. Data from tests are periodically uploaded
to a DCAE for analysis by CAM 215. As needed, CAM 215 performs SLO
verification and alarming.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 2A, a method of installing and
configuring system 200 is depicted schematically. For sake of
clarity, some reference numbers from FIG. 2 have been omitted. In
the example shown in FIG. 2A, OpsSimple 264 installs a pacemaker
agent 220 on all hypervisors 211 in data plane DP at step 270.
Portal commands CAM 215 to reconfigure pacemaker controller at 271,
for example by changing ping packet size, and CAM 215 creates a new
policy file and distributes it to all pacemaker controllers 210 at
272. Pacemaker agents download new policy files from controller 210
via software load balancer when informed by controller 210 at step
273. Each hypervisor based agent 220 in data plane DP may have
different destination sets and program frequency based on the
controller policy file. Each agent can bind multiple ports so that
probes can traverse different L2 port hash paths (as determined by
policy file). Each agent may further include a watchdog that
restarts a failed agent.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 2B, portal 230 commands CAM 215 to
reconfigure pacemaker PM, for example, to launch a new service test
at step 281. CAM 215 creates a new policy file and distributes it
to all pacemaker controllers 210 in at least one selected host 216
at step 282. CAM further creates and reconfigures the heat template
at 283. Heat 266 launches at least one active probe VM 240 within
compute host 217 at 284. Active probe VM 240 downloads policy files
from controller 210 via load balancer 262 at 285. With reference to
FIG. 2C, an example showing another configuration of hypervisor
based probe agents. In this example, portal 230 commands CAM 215 to
reconfigure pacemaker PM, for example, change probe packet size at
286. CAM 215 creates a new policy file and distributes it to all
pacemaker controllers 210 in selected hosts 216 at 287 and commands
AppC 268 to install agents in selected tenant VMs 225 at step 288.
Tenant VM active probe agents download policy files from controller
210 via load balancer 262 at 289.
[0045] FIG. 2D depicts an example of system 200 performing data
collection and analysis. In the example, all agents upload data on
UEB 250 at step 291. UEB 250 may deliver data to data store 260.
The data is uploaded within a selected time of its creation. The
selected time may be programmed according to controller policy
file. CAM analyzes the data from data store 260 and generates
alarms as needed at step 292. Portal 230 visualizes the data in
near real time at step 293. CAM updates policies as needed based on
data analysis at step 294. For example, CAM may increase probing
frequency if a failure is suspected or decrease probing frequency
if operation is normal or within specifications.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 1E, an end to end service
availability and performance example for a telecommunications
network is shown. According to this example, an SIP/RTP client
active probe VM 240 injects signaling and media traffic, such as
spirent virtual landslide or open source SIPp. The test may be
reconfigured and repeated as many times as the number of end to end
paths. In the example, three end to end paths are defined, and
three active probe tests performed indicated by the three arrow
types in the figure (test 1 solid, test 2 large dash, test 3 small
dash). Each service path should be tested at least once. In one
example, SIP client is configured to register with a particular
A-SBG VM to ensure call setup signaling traverses that SBG. In a
second example, a different test subscriber is provisioned on each
Broadsoft AS to ensure active probes test all ASes. Some of the
pulse data obtained during the test may include end to end service
availability, accessibility, retainability, packet loss rate,
delay, jitter and MOS.
[0047] As discussed, the system 200 may be implemented on a network
device. FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram depicting one
example of a network device, generally indicated at 300. Network
device 300 may comprise a processor 302 and a memory 304 coupled to
processor 302. Memory 304 may contain executable instructions that,
when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuate
operations associated with translating parallel protocols between
end points in families as described above. As evident from the
description herein, network device 300 is not to be construed as
software per se.
[0048] In addition to processor 302 and memory 304, network device
300 may include an input/output system 306. Processor 302, memory
304, and input/output system 306 may be coupled together to allow
communications between them. Each portion of network device 300 may
comprise circuitry for performing functions associated with each
respective portion. Thus, each portion may comprise hardware, or a
combination of hardware and software. Accordingly, each portion of
network device 300 is not to be construed as software per se.
Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving or providing
information from or to a communications device or other network
entities configured for telecommunications. For example
input/output system 306 may include a wireless communications
(e.g., 3G/4G/GPS) card. Input/output system 306 may be capable of
receiving or sending video information, audio information, control
information, image information, data, or any combination thereof.
Input/output system 306 may be capable of transferring information
with network device 300. In various configurations, input/output
system 306 may receive or provide information via any appropriate
means, such as, for example, optical means (e.g., infrared),
electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.RTM.,
ZigBee.RTM.), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone, ultrasonic
receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), electrical means, or a
combination thereof. In an example configuration, input/output
system 306 may comprise a Wi-Fi finder, a two-way GPS chipset or
equivalent, or the like, or a combination thereof. Bluetooth,
infrared, NFC, and Zigbee are generally considered short range
(e.g., few centimeters to 20 meters). WiFi is considered medium
range (e.g., approximately 100 meters).
[0049] Input/output system 306 of network device 300 also may
contain a communication connection 308 that allows network device
300 to communicate with other devices, network entities, or the
like. Communication connection 308 may comprise communication
media. Communication media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and includes any information delivery media. By way of
example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired
media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, or
wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, or other wireless
media. The term computer-readable media as used herein includes
both storage media and communication media. Input/output system 306
also may include an input device 310 such as keyboard, mouse, pen,
voice input device, or touch input device. Input/output system 306
may also include an output device 312, such as a display, speakers,
or a printer.
[0050] Processor 302 may be capable of performing functions
associated with telecommunications, such as functions for
processing broadcast messages, as described herein. For example,
processor 302 may be capable of, in conjunction with any other
portion of network device 300, determining a type of broadcast
message and acting according to the broadcast message type or
content, as described herein.
[0051] Memory 304 of network device 300 may comprise a storage
medium having a concrete, tangible, physical structure. As is
known, a signal does not have a concrete, tangible, physical
structure. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage
medium described herein, is not to be construed as a signal. Memory
304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described
herein, is not to be construed as a transient signal. Memory 304,
as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,
is not to be construed as a propagating signal. Memory 304, as well
as any computer-readable storage medium described herein, is to be
construed as an article of manufacture.
[0052] Memory 304 may store any information utilized in conjunction
with telecommunications. Depending upon the exact configuration or
type of processor, memory 304 may include a volatile storage 314
(such as some types of RAM), a nonvolatile storage 316 (such as
ROM, flash memory), or a combination thereof. Memory 304 may
include additional storage (e.g., a removable storage 318 or a
non-removable storage 320) including, for example, tape, flash
memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage,
magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other
magnetic storage devices, USB-compatible memory, or any other
medium that can be used to store information and that can be
accessed by network device 300. Memory 304 may comprise executable
instructions that, when executed by processor 302, cause processor
302 to effectuate operations to map signal strengths in an area of
interest.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram depicting one
example of an LTE-EPS network architecture 400 that may be at least
partially implemented as an SDN. Network architecture 400 disclosed
herein is referred to as a modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 to
distinguish it from a traditional LTE-EPS architecture.
[0054] An example modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 is based at
least in part on standards developed by the 3rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP), with information available at
www.3gpp.org LTE-EPS network architecture 400 may include an access
network 402, a core network 404, e.g., an EPC or Common BackBone
(CBB) and one or more external networks 406, sometimes referred to
as PDN or peer entities. Different external networks 406 can be
distinguished from each other by a respective network identifier,
e.g., a label according to DNS naming conventions describing an
access point to the PDN. Such labels can be referred to as Access
Point Names (APN). External networks 406 can include one or more
trusted and non-trusted external networks such as an internet
protocol (IP) network 408, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network
410, and other networks 412, such as a service network, a corporate
network, or the like. In an aspect, access network 402, core
network 404, or external network 405 may include or communicate
with network 100.
[0055] Access network 402 can include an LTE network architecture
sometimes referred to as Evolved Universal mobile Telecommunication
system Terrestrial Radio Access (E UTRA) and evolved UMTS
Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Broadly, access network
402 can include one or more communication devices, commonly
referred to as UE 414, and one or more wireless access nodes, or
base stations 416a, 416b. During network operations, at least one
base station 416 communicates directly with UE 414. Base station
416 can be an evolved Node B (e-NodeB), with which UE 414
communicates over the air and wirelessly. UEs 414 can include,
without limitation, wireless devices, e.g., satellite communication
systems, portable digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers,
tablet devices and other mobile devices (e.g., cellular telephones,
smart appliances, and so on). UEs 414 can connect to eNBs 416 when
UE 414 is within range according to a corresponding wireless
communication technology.
[0056] UE 414 generally runs one or more applications that engage
in a transfer of packets between UE 414 and one or more external
networks 406. Such packet transfers can include one of downlink
packet transfers from external network 406 to UE 414, uplink packet
transfers from UE 414 to external network 406 or combinations of
uplink and downlink packet transfers. Applications can include,
without limitation, web browsing, VoIP, streaming media and the
like. Each application can pose different Quality of Service (QoS)
requirements on a respective packet transfer. Different packet
transfers can be served by different bearers within core network
404, e.g., according to parameters, such as the QoS.
[0057] Core network 404 uses a concept of bearers, e.g., EPS
bearers, to route packets, e.g., IP traffic, between a particular
gateway in core network 404 and UE 414. A bearer refers generally
to an IP packet flow with a defined QoS between the particular
gateway and UE 414. Access network 402, e.g., E UTRAN, and core
network 404 together set up and release bearers as required by the
various applications. Bearers can be classified in at least two
different categories: (i) minimum guaranteed bit rate bearers,
e.g., for applications, such as VoIP; and (ii) non-guaranteed bit
rate bearers that do not require guarantee bit rate, e.g., for
applications, such as web browsing.
[0058] In one embodiment, the core network 404 includes various
network entities, such as MME 418, SGW 420, Home Subscriber Server
(HSS) 422, Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 424 and PGW
426. In one embodiment, MME 418 comprises a control node performing
a control signaling between various equipment and devices in access
network 402 and core network 404. The protocols running between UE
414 and core network 404 are generally known as Non-Access Stratum
(NAS) protocols.
[0059] For illustration purposes only, the terms MME 418, SGW 420,
HSS 422 and PGW 426, and so on, can be server devices, but may be
referred to in the subject disclosure without the word "server." It
is also understood that any form of such servers can operate in a
device, system, component, or other form of centralized or
distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these
terms and other terms such as bearer paths and/or interfaces are
terms that can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that
may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as
the 3GPP. It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the
subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or
otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and
promulgated by 3GPP.
[0060] According to traditional implementations of LTE-EPS
architectures, SGW 420 routes and forwards all user data packets.
SGW 420 also acts as a mobility anchor for user plane operation
during handovers between base stations, e.g., during a handover
from first eNB 416a to second eNB 416b as may be the result of UE
414 moving from one area of coverage, e.g., cell, to another. SGW
420 can also terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from external
network 406 to UE 414 in an idle state, and trigger a paging
operation when downlink data arrives for UE 414. SGW 420 can also
be configured to manage and store a context for UE 414, e.g.,
including one or more of parameters of the IP bearer service and
network internal routing information. In addition, SGW 420 can
perform administrative functions, e.g., in a visited network, such
as collecting information for charging (e.g., the volume of data
sent to or received from the user), and/or replicate user traffic,
e.g., to support a lawful interception. SGW 420 also serves as the
mobility anchor for interworking with other 3GPP technologies such
as universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS).
[0061] At any given time, UE 414 is generally in one of three
different states: detached, idle, or active. The detached state is
typically a transitory state in which UE 414 is powered on but is
engaged in a process of searching and registering with network 402.
In the active state, UE 414 is registered with access network 402
and has established a wireless connection, e.g., radio resource
control (RRC) connection, with eNB 416. Whether UE 414 is in an
active state can depend on the state of a packet data session, and
whether there is an active packet data session. In the idle state,
UE 414 is generally in a power conservation state in which UE 414
typically does not communicate packets. When UE 414 is idle, SGW
420 can terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from one peer entity
406, and triggers paging of UE 414 when data arrives for UE 414. If
UE 414 responds to the page, SGW 420 can forward the IP packet to
eNB 416a.
[0062] HSS 422 can manage subscription-related information for a
user of UE 414. For example, tHSS 422 can store information such as
authorization of the user, security requirements for the user,
quality of service (QoS) requirements for the user, etc. HSS 422
can also hold information about external networks 406 to which the
user can connect, e.g., in the form of an APN of external networks
406. For example, MME 418 can communicate with HSS 422 to determine
if UE 414 is authorized to establish a call, e.g., a voice over IP
(VoIP) call before the call is established.
[0063] PCRF 424 can perform QoS management functions and policy
control. PCRF 424 is responsible for policy control
decision-making, as well as for controlling the flow-based charging
functionalities in a policy control enforcement function (PCEF),
which resides in PGW 426. PCRF 424 provides the QoS authorization,
e.g., QoS class identifier and bit rates that decide how a certain
data flow will be treated in the PCEF and ensures that this is in
accordance with the user's subscription profile.
[0064] PGW 426 can provide connectivity between the UE 414 and one
or more of the external networks 406. In illustrative network
architecture 400, PGW 426 can be responsible for IP address
allocation for UE 414, as well as one or more of QoS enforcement
and flow-based charging, e.g., according to rules from the PCRF
424. PGW 426 is also typically responsible for filtering downlink
user IP packets into the different QoS-based bearers. In at least
some embodiments, such filtering can be performed based on traffic
flow templates. PGW 426 can also perform QoS enforcement, e.g., for
guaranteed bit rate bearers. PGW 426 also serves as a mobility
anchor for interworking with non-3GPP technologies such as
CDMA2000.
[0065] Within access network 402 and core network 404 there may be
various bearer paths/interfaces, e.g., represented by solid lines
428 and 430. Some of the bearer paths can be referred to by a
specific label. For example, solid line 428 can be considered an
S1-U bearer and solid line 432 can be considered an S5/S8 bearer
according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. Without limitation,
reference to various interfaces, such as S1, X2, S5, S8, S11 refer
to EPS interfaces. In some instances, such interface designations
are combined with a suffix, e.g., a "U" or a "C" to signify whether
the interface relates to a "User plane" or a "Control plane." In
addition, the core network 404 can include various signaling bearer
paths/interfaces, e.g., control plane paths/interfaces represented
by dashed lines 430, 434, 436, and 438. Some of the signaling
bearer paths may be referred to by a specific label. For example,
dashed line 430 can be considered as an S1-MME signaling bearer,
dashed line 434 can be considered as an S11 signaling bearer and
dashed line 436 can be considered as an S6a signaling bearer, e.g.,
according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. The above bearer paths
and signaling bearer paths are only illustrated as examples and it
should be noted that additional bearer paths and signaling bearer
paths may exist that are not illustrated.
[0066] Also shown is a novel user plane path/interface, referred to
as the S1-U+ interface 466. In the illustrative example, the S1-U+
user plane interface extends between the eNB 416a and PGW 426.
Notably, S1-U+ path/interface does not include SGW 420, a node that
is otherwise instrumental in configuring and/or managing packet
forwarding between eNB 416a and one or more external networks 406
by way of PGW 426. As disclosed herein, the S1-U+ path/interface
facilitates autonomous learning of peer transport layer addresses
by one or more of the network nodes to facilitate a
self-configuring of the packet forwarding path. In particular, such
self-configuring can be accomplished during handovers in most
scenarios so as to reduce any extra signaling load on the S/PGWs
420, 426 due to excessive handover events.
[0067] In some embodiments, PGW 426 is coupled to storage device
440, shown in phantom. Storage device 440 can be integral to one of
the network nodes, such as PGW 426, for example, in the form of
internal memory and/or disk drive. It is understood that storage
device 440 can include registers suitable for storing address
values. Alternatively or in addition, storage device 440 can be
separate from PGW 426, for example, as an external hard drive, a
flash drive, and/or network storage.
[0068] Storage device 440 selectively stores one or more values
relevant to the forwarding of packet data. For example, storage
device 440 can store identities and/or addresses of network
entities, such as any of network nodes 418, 420, 422, 424, and 426,
eNBs 416 and/or UE 414. In the illustrative example, storage device
440 includes a first storage location 442 and a second storage
location 444. First storage location 442 can be dedicated to
storing a Currently Used Downlink address value 442. Likewise,
second storage location 444 can be dedicated to storing a Default
Downlink Forwarding address value 444. PGW 426 can read and/or
write values into either of storage locations 442, 444, for
example, managing Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address value
442 and Default Downlink Forwarding address value 444 as disclosed
herein.
[0069] In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address
for each EPS bearer is the SGW S5-U address for each EPS Bearer.
The Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address" for each EPS bearer
in PGW 426 can be set every time when PGW 426 receives an uplink
packet, e.g., a GTP-U uplink packet, with a new source address for
a corresponding EPS bearer. When UE 414 is in an idle state, the
"Current Used Downlink Forwarding address" field for each EPS
bearer of UE 414 can be set to a "null" or other suitable
value.
[0070] In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address
is only updated when PGW 426 receives a new SGW S5-U address in a
predetermined message or messages. For example, the Default
Downlink Forwarding address is only updated when PGW 426 receives
one of a Create Session Request, Modify Bearer Request and Create
Bearer Response messages from SGW 420.
[0071] As values 442, 444 can be maintained and otherwise
manipulated on a per bearer basis, it is understood that the
storage locations can take the form of tables, spreadsheets, lists,
and/or other data structures generally well understood and suitable
for maintaining and/or otherwise manipulate forwarding addresses on
a per bearer basis.
[0072] It should be noted that access network 402 and core network
404 are illustrated in a simplified block diagram in FIG. 4. In
other words, either or both of access network 402 and the core
network 404 can include additional network elements that are not
shown, such as various routers, switches and controllers. In
addition, although FIG. 4 illustrates only a single one of each of
the various network elements, it should be noted that access
network 402 and core network 404 can include any number of the
various network elements. For example, core network 404 can include
a pool (i.e., more than one) of MMEs 418, SGWs 420 or PGWs 426.
[0073] In the illustrative example, data traversing a network path
between UE 414, eNB 416a, SGW 420, PGW 426 and external network 406
may be considered to constitute data transferred according to an
end-to-end IP service. However, for the present disclosure, to
properly perform establishment management in LTE-EPS network
architecture 400, the core network, data bearer portion of the
end-to-end IP service is analyzed.
[0074] An establishment may be defined herein as a connection set
up request between any two elements within LTE-EPS network
architecture 400. The connection set up request may be for user
data or for signaling. A failed establishment may be defined as a
connection set up request that was unsuccessful. A successful
establishment may be defined as a connection set up request that
was successful.
[0075] In one embodiment, a data bearer portion comprises a first
portion (e.g., a data radio bearer 446) between UE 414 and eNB
416a, a second portion (e.g., an S1 data bearer 428) between eNB
416a and SGW 420, and a third portion (e.g., an S5/S8 bearer 432)
between SGW 420 and PGW 426. Various signaling bearer portions are
also illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, a first signaling portion
(e.g., a signaling radio bearer 448) between UE 414 and eNB 416a,
and a second signaling portion (e.g., S1 signaling bearer 430)
between eNB 416a and MME 418.
[0076] In at least some embodiments, the data bearer can include
tunneling, e.g., IP tunneling, by which data packets can be
forwarded in an encapsulated manner, between tunnel endpoints.
Tunnels, or tunnel connections can be identified in one or more
nodes of network 100, e.g., by one or more of tunnel endpoint
identifiers, an IP address and a user datagram protocol port
number. Within a particular tunnel connection, payloads, e.g.,
packet data, which may or may not include protocol related
information, are forwarded between tunnel endpoints.
[0077] An example of first tunnel solution 450 includes a first
tunnel 452a between two tunnel endpoints 454a and 456a, and a
second tunnel 452b between two tunnel endpoints 454b and 456b. In
the illustrative example, first tunnel 452a is established between
eNB 416a and SGW 420. Accordingly, first tunnel 452a includes a
first tunnel endpoint 454a corresponding to an S1-U address of eNB
416a (referred to herein as the eNB S1-U address), and second
tunnel endpoint 456a corresponding to an S1-U address of SGW 420
(referred to herein as the SGW S1-U address). Likewise, second
tunnel 452b includes first tunnel endpoint 454b corresponding to an
S5-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein as the SGW S5-U
address), and second tunnel endpoint 456b corresponding to an S5-U
address of PGW 426 (referred to herein as the PGW S5-U
address).
[0078] In at least some embodiments, first tunnel solution 450 is
referred to as a two tunnel solution, e.g., according to the GPRS
Tunneling Protocol User Plane (GTPv1-U based), as described in 3GPP
specification TS 29.281, incorporated herein in its entirety. It is
understood that one or more tunnels are permitted between each set
of tunnel end points. For example, each subscriber can have one or
more tunnels, e.g., one for each PDP context that they have active,
as well as possibly having separate tunnels for specific
connections with different quality of service requirements, and so
on.
[0079] An example of second tunnel solution 458 includes a single
or direct tunnel 460 between tunnel endpoints 462 and 464. In the
illustrative example, direct tunnel 460 is established between eNB
416a and PGW 426, without subjecting packet transfers to processing
related to SGW 420. Accordingly, direct tunnel 460 includes first
tunnel endpoint 462 corresponding to the eNB S1-U address, and
second tunnel endpoint 464 corresponding to the PGW S5-U address.
Packet data received at either end can be encapsulated into a
payload and directed to the corresponding address of the other end
of the tunnel. Such direct tunneling avoids processing, e.g., by
SGW 420 that would otherwise relay packets between the same two
endpoints, e.g., according to a protocol, such as the GTP-U
protocol.
[0080] In some scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458 can forward
user plane data packets between eNB 416a and PGW 426, by way of SGW
420. That is, SGW 420 can serve a relay function, by relaying
packets between two tunnel endpoints 416a, 426. In other scenarios,
direct tunneling solution 458 can forward user data packets between
eNB 416a and PGW 426, by way of the S1 U+ interface, thereby
bypassing SGW 420.
[0081] Generally, UE 414 can have one or more bearers at any one
time. The number and types of bearers can depend on applications,
default requirements, and so on. It is understood that the
techniques disclosed herein, including the configuration,
management and use of various tunnel solutions 450, 458, can be
applied to the bearers on an individual bases. That is, if user
data packets of one bearer, say a bearer associated with a VoIP
service of UE 414, then the forwarding of all packets of that
bearer are handled in a similar manner. Continuing with this
example, the same UE 414 can have another bearer associated with it
through the same eNB 416a. This other bearer, for example, can be
associated with a relatively low rate data session forwarding user
data packets through core network 404 simultaneously with the first
bearer. Likewise, the user data packets of the other bearer are
also handled in a similar manner, without necessarily following a
forwarding path or solution of the first bearer. Thus, one of the
bearers may be forwarded through direct tunnel 458; whereas,
another one of the bearers may be forwarded through a two-tunnel
solution 450.
[0082] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a
machine in the form of a computer system 500 within which a set of
instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any
one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances
of the machine can operate, for example, as processor 302, UE 414,
eNB 416, MME 418, SGW 420, HSS 422, PCRF 424, PGW 426 and other
devices of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. In some embodiments, the machine may
be connected (e.g., using a network 502) to other machines. In a
networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a
server or a client user machine in a server-client user network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0083] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user
computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set
of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to
be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a
communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any
electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed
herein.
[0084] Computer system 500 may include a processor (or controller)
504 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing
unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 506 and a static memory 508,
which communicate with each other via a bus 510. The computer
system 500 may further include a display unit 512 (e.g., a liquid
crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display).
Computer system 500 may include an input device 514 (e.g., a
keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), a disk
drive unit 518, a signal generation device 520 (e.g., a speaker or
remote control) and a network interface device 522. In distributed
environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure
can be adapted to utilize multiple display units 512 controlled by
two or more computer systems 500. In this configuration,
presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be
shown in a first of display units 512, while the remaining portion
is presented in a second of display units 512.
[0085] The disk drive unit 518 may include a tangible
computer-readable storage medium 524 on which is stored one or more
sets of instructions (e.g., software 526) embodying any one or more
of the methods or functions described herein, including those
methods illustrated above. Instructions 526 may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within main memory 506, static
memory 508, or within processor 504 during execution thereof by the
computer system 500. Main memory 506 and processor 504 also may
constitute tangible computer-readable storage media.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 6, telecommunication system 600 may include
wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) 602, a RAN 604, a core
network 606, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 608, the
Internet 610, or other networks 612, though it will be appreciated
that the disclosed examples contemplate any number of WTRUs, base
stations, networks, or network elements. Each WTRU 602 may be any
type of device configured to operate or communicate in a wireless
environment. For example, a WTRU may comprise drone 102, a mobile
device, network device 300, or the like, or any combination
thereof. By way of example, WTRUs 602 may be configured to transmit
or receive wireless signals and may include a UE, a mobile station,
a mobile device, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a
cellular telephone, a PDA, a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a
personal computer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, or the
like. WTRUs 602 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless
signals over an air interface 614.
[0087] Telecommunication system 600 may also include one or more
base stations 616. Each of base stations 616 may be any type of
device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the
WTRUs 602 to facilitate access to one or more communication
networks, such as core network 606, PTSN 608, Internet 610, or
other networks 612. By way of example, base stations 616 may be a
base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNode B, a Home Node
B, a Home eNode B, a site controller, an access point (AP), a
wireless router, or the like. While base stations 616 are each
depicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that base
stations 616 may include any number of interconnected base stations
or network elements.
[0088] RAN 604 may include one or more base stations 616, along
with other network elements (not shown), such as a base station
controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), or relay nodes.
One or more base stations 616 may be configured to transmit or
receive wireless signals within a particular geographic region,
which may be referred to as a cell (not shown). The cell may
further be divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell
associated with base station 616 may be divided into three sectors
such that base station 616 may include three transceivers: one for
each sector of the cell. In another example, base station 616 may
employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and,
therefore, may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the
cell.
[0089] Base stations 616 may communicate with one or more of WTRUs
602 over air interface 614, which may be any suitable wireless
communication link (e.g., RF, microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet
(UV), or visible light). Air interface 614 may be established using
any suitable radio access technology (RAT).
[0090] More specifically, as noted above, telecommunication system
600 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more
channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA,
or the like. For example, base station 616 in RAN 604 and WTRUs 602
connected to RAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio
Access (UTRA) that may establish air interface 614 using wideband
CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA may include communication protocols, such as
High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may
include High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) or High-Speed
Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).
[0091] As another example base station 616 and WTRUs 602 that are
connected to RAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as
Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish
air interface 614 using LTE or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).
[0092] Optionally base station 616 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN
604 may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 602.16 (i.e.,
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000,
CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000),
Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), GSM,
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), or
the like.
[0093] Base station 616 may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home
eNode B, or access point, for example, and may utilize any suitable
RAT for facilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area,
such as a place of business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, or the
like. For example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may
implement a radio technology such as IEEE 602.11 to establish a
wireless local area network (WLAN). As another example, base
station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may implement a radio
technology such as IEEE 602.15 to establish a wireless personal
area network (WPAN). In yet another example, base station 616 and
associated WTRUs 602 may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA,
CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.) to establish a picocell or
femtocell. As shown in FIG. 6, base station 616 may have a direct
connection to Internet 610. Thus, base station 616 may not be
required to access Internet 610 via core network 606.
[0094] RAN 604 may be in communication with core network 606, which
may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data,
applications, and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services
to one or more WTRUs 602. For example, core network 606 may provide
call control, billing services, mobile location-based services,
pre-paid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution or
high-level security functions, such as user authentication.
Although not shown in FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that RAN 604
or core network 606 may be in direct or indirect communication with
other RANs that employ the same RAT as RAN 604 or a different RAT.
For example, in addition to being connected to RAN 604, which may
be utilizing an E-UTRA radio technology, core network 606 may also
be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employing a GSM
radio technology.
[0095] Core network 606 may also serve as a gateway for WTRUs 602
to access PSTN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. PSTN 608
may include circuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain
old telephone service (POTS). For LTE core networks, core network
606 may use IMS core 614 to provide access to PSTN 608. Internet
610 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks
or devices that use common communication protocols, such as the
transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP),
or IP in the TCP/IP internet protocol suite. Other networks 612 may
include wired or wireless communications networks owned or operated
by other service providers. For example, other networks 612 may
include another core network connected to one or more RANs, which
may employ the same RAT as RAN 604 or a different RAT.
[0096] Some or all WTRUs 602 in telecommunication system 600 may
include multi-mode capabilities. That is, WTRUs 602 may include
multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless
networks over different wireless links. For example, one or more
WTRUs 602 may be configured to communicate with base station 616,
which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with base
station 616, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.
[0097] FIG. 7 is an example system 700 including RAN 604 and core
network 606. As noted above, RAN 604 may employ an E-UTRA radio
technology to communicate with WTRUs 602 over air interface 614.
RAN 604 may also be in communication with core network 606.
[0098] RAN 604 may include any number of eNode-Bs 702 while
remaining consistent with the disclosed technology. One or more
eNode-Bs 702 may include one or more transceivers for communicating
with the WTRUs 602 over air interface 614. Optionally, eNode-Bs 702
may implement MIMO technology. Thus, one of eNode-Bs 702, for
example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to,
or receive wireless signals from, one of WTRUs 602.
[0099] Each of eNode-Bs 702 may be associated with a particular
cell and may be configured to handle radio resource management
decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the uplink or
downlink, or the like. As shown in FIG. 7 eNode-Bs 702 may
communicate with one another over an X2 interface.
[0100] Core network 606 shown in FIG. 7 may include a mobility
management gateway or entity (MME) 704, a serving gateway 706, or a
packet data network (PDN) gateway 708. While each of the foregoing
elements are depicted as part of core network 606, it will be
appreciated that any one of these elements may be owned or operated
by an entity other than the core network operator.
[0101] MME 704 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604
via an S1interface and may serve as a control node. For example,
MME 704 may be responsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 602,
bearer activation or deactivation, selecting a particular serving
gateway during an initial attach of WTRUs 602, or the like. MME 704
may also provide a control plane function for switching between RAN
604 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio
technologies, such as GSM or WCDMA.
[0102] Serving gateway 706 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702
in RAN 604 via the Si interface. Serving gateway 706 may generally
route or forward user data packets to or from the WTRUs 602.
Serving gateway 706 may also perform other functions, such as
anchoring user planes during inter-eNode B handovers, triggering
paging when downlink data is available for WTRUs 602, managing or
storing contexts of WTRUs 602, or the like.
[0103] Serving gateway 706 may also be connected to PDN gateway
708, which may provide WTRUs 602 with access to packet-switched
networks, such as Internet 610, to facilitate communications
between WTRUs 602 and IP-enabled devices.
[0104] Core network 606 may facilitate communications with other
networks. For example, core network 606 may provide WTRUs 602 with
access to circuit-switched networks, such as PSTN 608, such as
through IMS core 614, to facilitate communications between WTRUs
602 and traditional land-line communications devices. In addition,
core network 606 may provide the WTRUs 602 with access to other
networks 612, which may include other wired or wireless networks
that are owned or operated by other service providers.
[0105] FIG. 8 depicts an overall block diagram of an example
packet-based mobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS
network as described herein. In the example packet-based mobile
cellular network environment shown in FIG. 8, there are a plurality
of base station subsystems (BSS) 800 (only one is shown), each of
which comprises a base station controller (BSC) 802 serving a
plurality of BTSs, such as BTSs 804, 806, 808. BTSs 804, 806, 808
are the access points where users of packet-based mobile devices
become connected to the wireless network. In example fashion, the
packet traffic originating from mobile devices is transported via
an over-the-air interface to BTS 808, and from BTS 808 to BSC 802.
Base station subsystems, such as BSS 800, are a part of internal
frame relay network 810 that can include a service GPRS support
nodes (SGSN), such as SGSN 812 or SGSN 814. Each SGSN 812, 814 is
connected to an internal packet network 816 through which SGSN 812,
814 can route data packets to or from a plurality of gateway GPRS
support nodes (GGSN) 818, 820, 822. As illustrated, SGSN 814 and
GGSNs 818, 820, 822 are part of internal packet network 816. GGSNs
818, 820, 822 mainly provide an interface to external IP networks
such as PLMN 824, corporate intranets/internets 826, or Fixed-End
System (FES) or the public Internet 828. As illustrated, subscriber
corporate network 826 may be connected to GGSN 820 via a firewall
830. PLMN 824 may be connected to GGSN 820 via a border gateway
router (BGR) 832. A Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
(RADIUS) server 834 may be used for caller authentication when a
user calls corporate network 826.
[0106] Generally, there may be a several cell sizes in a network,
referred to as macro, micro, pico, femto or umbrella cells. The
coverage area of each cell is different in different environments.
Macro cells can be regarded as cells in which the base station
antenna is installed in a mast or a building above average roof top
level. Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average
roof top level. Micro cells are typically used in urban areas. Pico
cells are small cells having a diameter of a few dozen meters. Pico
cells are used mainly indoors. Femto cells have the same size as
pico cells, but a smaller transport capacity. Femto cells are used
indoors, in residential or small business environments. On the
other hand, umbrella cells are used to cover shadowed regions of
smaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage between those cells.
[0107] FIG. 9 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network
900 as described herein. The architecture depicted in FIG. 9 may be
segmented into four groups: users 902, RAN 904, core network 906,
and interconnect network 908. Users 902 comprise a plurality of end
users, who each may use one or more devices 910. Note that device
910 is referred to as a mobile subscriber (MS) in the description
of network shown in FIG. 9. In an example, device 910 comprises a
communications device (e.g., mobile device 102, mobile positioning
center 116, network device 300, any of detected devices 500, second
device 508, access device 604, access device 606, access device
608, access device 610 or the like, or any combination thereof).
Radio access network 904 comprises a plurality of BSSs such as BSS
912, which includes a BTS 914 and a BSC 916. Core network 906 may
include a host of various network elements. As illustrated in FIG.
9, core network 906 may comprise MSC 918, service control point
(SCP) 920, gateway MSC (GMSC) 922, SGSN 924, home location register
(HLR) 926, authentication center (AuC) 928, domain name system
(DNS) server 930, and GGSN 932. Interconnect network 908 may also
comprise a host of various networks or other network elements. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, interconnect network 908 comprises a PSTN
934, an FES/Internet 936, a firewall 1038(FIG. 10), or a corporate
network 940.
[0108] An MSC can be connected to a large number of BSCs. At MSC
918, for instance, depending on the type of traffic, the traffic
may be separated in that voice may be sent to PSTN 934 through GMSC
922, or data may be sent to SGSN 924, which then sends the data
traffic to GGSN 932 for further forwarding.
[0109] When MSC 918 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC
916, it sends a query to a database hosted by SCP 920, which
processes the request and issues a response to MSC 918 so that it
may continue call processing as appropriate.
[0110] HLR 926 is a centralized database for users to register to
the GPRS network. HLR 926 stores static information about the
subscribers such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI), subscribed services, or a key for authenticating the
subscriber. HLR 926 also stores dynamic subscriber information such
as the current location of the MS. Associated with HLR 926 is AuC
928, which is a database that contains the algorithms for
authenticating subscribers and includes the associated keys for
encryption to safeguard the user input for authentication.
[0111] In the following, depending on context, "mobile subscriber"
or "MS" sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the
actual portable device, such as a mobile device, used by an end
user of the mobile cellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns
on his or her mobile device, the mobile device goes through an
attach process by which the mobile device attaches to an SGSN of
the GPRS network. In FIG. 9, when MS 910 initiates the attach
process by turning on the network capabilities of the mobile
device, an attach request is sent by MS 910 to SGSN 924. The SGSN
924 queries another SGSN, to which MS 910 was attached before, for
the identity of MS 910. Upon receiving the identity of MS 910 from
the other SGSN, SGSN 924 requests more information from MS 910.
This information is used to authenticate MS 910 together with the
information provided by HLR 926. Once verified, SGSN 924 sends a
location update to HLR 926 indicating the change of location to a
new SGSN, in this case SGSN 924. HLR 926 notifies the old SGSN, to
which MS 910 was attached before, to cancel the location process
for MS 910. HLR 926 then notifies SGSN 924 that the location update
has been performed. At this time, SGSN 924 sends an Attach Accept
message to MS 910, which in turn sends an Attach Complete message
to SGSN 924.
[0112] Next, MS 910 establishes a user session with the destination
network, corporate network 940, by going through a Packet Data
Protocol (PDP) activation process. Briefly, in the process, MS 910
requests access to the Access Point Name (APN), for example,
UPS.com, and SGSN 924 receives the activation request from MS 910.
SGSN 924 then initiates a DNS query to learn which GGSN 932 has
access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query is sent to a DNS server
within core network 906, such as DNS server 930, which is
provisioned to map to one or more GGSNs in core network 906. Based
on the APN, the mapped GGSN 932 can access requested corporate
network 940. SGSN 924 then sends to GGSN 932 a Create PDP Context
Request message that contains necessary information. GGSN 932 sends
a Create PDP Context Response message to SGSN 924, which then sends
an Activate PDP Context Accept message to MS 910.
[0113] Once activated, data packets of the call made by MS 910 can
then go through RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnect network
908, in a particular FES/Internet 936 and firewall 1038, to reach
corporate network 940.
[0114] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example PLMN
architecture that may be replaced by a telecommunications system.
In FIG. 10, solid lines may represent user traffic signals, and
dashed lines may represent support signaling. MS 1002 is the
physical equipment used by the PLMN subscriber. For example, drone
102, network device 300, the like, or any combination thereof may
serve as MS 1002. MS 1002 may be one of, but not limited to, a
cellular telephone, a cellular telephone in combination with
another electronic device or any other wireless mobile
communication device.
[0115] MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with BSS 1004. BSS 1004
contains BSC 1006 and a BTS 1008. BSS 1004 may include a single BSC
1006/BTS 1008 pair (base station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs that
are part of a larger network. BSS 1004 is responsible for
communicating with MS 1002 and may support one or more cells. BSS
1004 is responsible for handling cellular traffic and signaling
between MS 1002 and a core network 1010. Typically, BSS 1004
performs functions that include, but are not limited to, digital
conversion of speech channels, allocation of channels to mobile
devices, paging, or transmission/reception of cellular signals.
[0116] Additionally, MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with RNS
1012. RNS 1012 contains a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1014 and
one or more Nodes B 1016. RNS 1012 may support one or more cells.
RNS 1012 may also include one or more RNC 1014/Node B 1016 pairs or
alternatively a single RNC 1014 may manage multiple Nodes B 1016.
RNS 1012 is responsible for communicating with MS 1002 in its
geographically defined area. RNC 1014 is responsible for
controlling Nodes B 1016 that are connected to it and is a control
element in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1014 performs functions
such as, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling,
handover control, security functions, or controlling MS 1002 access
to core network 1010.
[0117] An E-UTRA Network (E-UTRAN) 1018 is a RAN that provides
wireless data communications for MS 1002 and UE 1024. E-UTRAN 1018
provides higher data rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the
LTE upgrade for mobile networks, and later releases meet the
requirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)
Advanced and are commonly known as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1018 may
include of series of logical network components such as E-UTRAN
Node B (eNB) 1020 and E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1022. E-UTRAN 1018 may
contain one or more eNBs. User equipment (UE) 1024 may be any
mobile device capable of connecting to E-UTRAN 1018 including, but
not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobile device,
wireless router, or other device capable of wireless connectivity
to E-UTRAN 1018. The improved performance of the E-UTRAN 1018
relative to a typical UMTS network allows for increased bandwidth,
spectral efficiency, and functionality including, but not limited
to, voice, high-speed applications, large data transfer or IPTV,
while still allowing for full mobility.
[0118] Typically MS 1002 may communicate with any or all of BSS
1004, RNS 1012, or E-UTRAN 1018. In a illustrative system, each of
BSS 1004, RNS 1012, and E-UTRAN 1018 may provide MS 1002 with
access to core network 1010. Core network 1010 may include of a
series of devices that route data and communications between end
users. Core network 1010 may provide network service functions to
users in the circuit switched (CS) domain or the packet switched
(PS) domain. The CS domain refers to connections in which dedicated
network resources are allocated at the time of connection
establishment and then released when the connection is terminated.
The PS domain refers to communications and data transfers that make
use of autonomous groupings of bits called packets. Each packet may
be routed, manipulated, processed or handled independently of all
other packets in the PS domain and does not require dedicated
network resources.
[0119] The circuit-switched MGW function (CS-MGW) 1026 is part of
core network 1010, and interacts with VLR/MSC server 1028 and GMSC
server 1030 in order to facilitate core network 1010 resource
control in the CS domain. Functions of CS-MGW 1026 include, but are
not limited to, media conversion, bearer control, payload
processing or other mobile network processing such as handover or
anchoring. CS-MGW 1026 may receive connections to MS 1002 through
BSS 1004 or RNS 1012.
[0120] SGSN 1032 stores subscriber data regarding MS 1002 in order
to facilitate network functionality. SGSN 1032 may store
subscription information such as, but not limited to, the IMSI,
temporary identities, or PDP addresses. SGSN 1032 may also store
location information such as, but not limited to, GGSN address for
each GGSN 1034 where an active PDP exists. GGSN 1034 may implement
a location register function to store subscriber data it receives
from SGSN 1032 such as subscription or location information.
[0121] Serving gateway (S-GW) 1036 is an interface which provides
connectivity between E-UTRAN 1018 and core network 1010. Functions
of S-GW 1036 include, but are not limited to, packet routing,
packet forwarding, transport level packet processing, or user plane
mobility anchoring for inter-network mobility. PCRF 1038 uses
information gathered from P-GW 1036, as well as other sources, to
make applicable policy and charging decisions related to data
flows, network resources or other network administration functions.
PDN gateway (PDN-GW) 1040 may provide user-to-services connectivity
functionality including, but not limited to, GPRS/EPC network
anchoring, bearer session anchoring and control, or IP address
allocation for PS domain connections.
[0122] HSS 1042 is a database for user information and stores
subscription data regarding MS 1002 or UE 1024 for handling calls
or data sessions. Networks may contain one HSS 1042 or more if
additional resources are required. Example data stored by HSS 1042
include, but is not limited to, user identification, numbering or
addressing information, security information, or location
information. HSS 1042 may also provide call or session
establishment procedures in both the PS and CS domains.
[0123] VLR/MSC Server 1028 provides user location functionality.
When MS 1002 enters a new network location, it begins a
registration procedure. A MSC server for that location transfers
the location information to the VLR for the area. A VLR and MSC
server may be located in the same computing environment, as is
shown by VLR/MSC server 1028, or alternatively may be located in
separate computing environments. A VLR may contain, but is not
limited to, user information such as the IMSI, the Temporary Mobile
Station Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile Station Identity (LMSI),
the last known location of the mobile station, or the SGSN where
the mobile station was previously registered. The MSC server may
contain information such as, but not limited to, procedures for MS
1002 registration or procedures for handover of MS 1002 to a
different section of core network 1010. GMSC server 1030 may serve
as a connection to alternate GMSC servers for other MSs in larger
networks.
[0124] EIR 1044 is a logical element which may store the IMEI for
MS 1002. User equipment may be classified as either "white listed"
or "black listed" depending on its status in the network. If MS
1002 is stolen and put to use by an unauthorized user, it may be
registered as "black listed" in EIR 1044, preventing its use on the
network. A MME 1046 is a control node which may track MS 1002 or UE
1024 if the devices are idle. Additional functionality may include
the ability of MME 1046 to contact idle MS 1002 or UE 1024 if
retransmission of a previous session is required.
[0125] As described herein, a telecommunications system wherein
management and control utilizing a software designed network (SDN)
and a simple IP are based, at least in part, on user equipment, may
provide a wireless management and control framework that enables
common wireless management and control, such as mobility
management, radio resource management, QoS, load balancing, etc.,
across many wireless technologies, e.g. LTE, Wi-Fi, and future 5G
access technologies; decoupling the mobility control from data
planes to let them evolve and scale independently; reducing network
state maintained in the network based on user equipment types to
reduce network cost and allow massive scale; shortening cycle time
and improving network upgradability; flexibility in creating
end-to-end services based on types of user equipment and
applications, thus improve customer experience; or improving user
equipment power efficiency and battery life--especially for simple
M2M devices--through enhanced wireless management.
[0126] While examples of a telecommunications system in which
emergency alerts can be processed and managed have been described
in connection with various computing devices/processors, the
underlying concepts may be applied to any computing device,
processor, or system capable of facilitating a telecommunications
system. The various techniques described herein may be implemented
in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with
a combination of both. Thus, the methods and devices may take the
form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in concrete,
tangible, storage media having a concrete, tangible, physical
structure. Examples of tangible storage media include floppy
diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any other tangible
machine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storage medium).
Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a signal. A
computer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal.
Further, a computer-readable storage medium is not a propagating
signal. A computer-readable storage medium as described herein is
an article of manufacture. When the program code is loaded into and
executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an
device for telecommunications. In the case of program code
execution on programmable computers, the computing device will
generally include a processor, a storage medium readable by the
processor (including volatile or nonvolatile memory or storage
elements), at least one input device, and at least one output
device. The program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine
language, if desired. The language can be a compiled or interpreted
language, and may be combined with hardware implementations.
[0127] The methods and devices associated with a telecommunications
system as described herein also may be practiced via communications
embodied in the form of program code that is transmitted over some
transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling,
through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission,
wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and
executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, a gate array, a
programmable logic device (PLD), a client computer, or the like,
the machine becomes an device for implementing telecommunications
as described herein. When implemented on a general-purpose
processor, the program code combines with the processor to provide
a unique device that operates to invoke the functionality of a
telecommunications system.
EXAMPLES
[0128] Example 1. A system for performing assurance of at least one
network element in a network, the system comprising: at least one
pacemaker, wherein the at least one pacemaker is a virtual machine
in communication with a path to the at least one network element in
the network, the at least one pacemaker configured to selectively
provide an atomic workload to the path at a selected probing
frequency; a configuration analysis microservice in communication
with the at least one pacemaker, the configuration analysis
microservice is configured to provide a policy to the at least one
pacemaker for application of the atomic workload and monitor a
pulse from the atomic workload on the path.
[0129] Example 2. The system of example 1, wherein the at least one
pacemaker includes at least one of a pacemaker controller, an
active probe virtual machine, and an agent.
[0130] Example 3. The system of example 1, wherein the atomic
workload includes at least one of UDP/TCP echo request/response
pair, writing a small file, an SIP call, and a mobility management
entity attach success/failure.
[0131] Example 4. The system of example 1, wherein the pulse
includes at least one of an end to end service availability,
accessibility, retainability, packet loss rate, delay, jitter, MOS,
read/write, latency/availability, SIP call accessibility, and
mobility management entity attach success/failure.
[0132] Example 5. The system of example 1 further comprising a
portal in communication with the configuration analysis
microservice, wherein the configuration analysis microservice
communicates with the portal and the portal is configured to
visualize data from the configuration analysis microservice in near
real time.
[0133] Example 6. The system of example 1, wherein the
configuration analysis microservice is configured to update the
policy within the at least one pacemaker to increase or decrease
the probing frequency.
[0134] Example 7. The system of example 1, wherein the
configuration analysis microservice is configured to analyze data
generated from the pulse.
[0135] Example 8. The system of example 1 further comprising a bus,
the configuration analysis microservice being coupled to the bus;
wherein the at least one pacemaker is in communication with the
bus.
[0136] Example 9. The system of example 8 further comprising a data
store in communication with the bus, wherein data from the pulse is
stored in the data store.
[0137] Example 10. The system of example 1 wherein the pacemaker
includes a controller virtual machine, an active probe virtual
machine and an agent, wherein the controller virtual machine is
instantiated within a control plane and wherein the active probe
virtual machine and agent are instantiated in a data plane, the
controller virtual machine being in communication with the
configuration analysis microservice and configured to receive a
policy therefrom and communicate the policy to at least one of the
active probe virtual machine and the agent; wherein the policy
directs at least one of the active probe virtual machine and the
agent to deliver the atomic workload.
[0138] Example 11. The system of example 1, wherein the path
includes a connection between a pair of machines on at least one of
an inter spine, a spine and a top of rack in an underlay layer.
[0139] Example 12. The system of example 1, wherein the path
includes a connection within at least one of a software defined
network, a wireless network, and a telecommunications network.
[0140] Example 13. The system of example 1, wherein the path
includes a connection to at least one of a control plane, a data
plane, a tenant service, and a storage array.
[0141] Example 14. A network device comprising a processor, an
input/output device coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled
with the processor, the memory comprising executable instructions
that when executed by the processor cause the processor to
effectuate operations comprising launching at least one pacemaker
in a data plane; installing a configuration analysis microservice
in communication with the at least one agent; and selectively
applying an atomic workload via the at least one pacemaker, to a
path; and analyzing a pulse from the atomic workload on the path
via the configuration analysis microservice.
[0142] Example 15. The network device of example 14, wherein the at
least one pacemaker is an active probe virtual machine; wherein the
network device includes an application manager, the application
manager launching the active probe virtual machine.
[0143] Example 16. The network device of example 14, wherein the at
least one pacemaker is an agent; wherein the network device
includes an application container, the application container
launching the agent in a tenant virtual machine in the data
plane.
[0144] Example 17. The network device of example 14, wherein the at
least one pacemaker is at least one agent, the network device
including an operation manager, the operation and database manager
launching the at least one agent in a hypervisor in the
dataplane.
[0145] Example 18. The network device of example 14, wherein the
processor effectuates further operations comprising: instantiating,
via the configuration analysis microservice, at least one
controller virtual machine within a control plane, the at least one
controller in communication with the at least one pacemaker and
configured to deliver a policy file to the at least one
pacemaker.
[0146] Example 19. The network device of example 18, wherein the
policy file includes at least one of a frequency of the atomic
workload and a type of the atomic workload.
[0147] Example 20. The network device of example 14, wherein the
atomic workload includes at least one of UDP/TCP echo
request/response pair, writing a small file, an SIP call, and a
mobility management entity attach success/failure and wherein the
pulse includes at least one of an end to end service availability,
accessibility, retainability, packet loss rate, delay, jitter, MOS,
a read/write, latency/availability, SIP call accessibility, and
mobility management entity attach success/failure.
* * * * *
References