Using constraint technology to diagnose configuration errors in networks managed with spectrum

Abstract

The model-based reasoning approach to network management supports problem-solving capabilities, such as finding root causes of signaled faults. A distinct modeling technique that has recently emerged in the field of network management is the utilization of constraints. In industry, a prime example of the use of model-based reasoning in enterprise management is SPECTRUM 1. The platform supports modeling the enterprise components, with their attributes, relations among components, and component behavior. The main goal of our research project is to enhance SPEC-TRUM's management capabilities with constraint-based reasoning techniques. To demonstrate these techniques, we designed and implemented a prototype constraint-based architecture for SPECTRUM that focuses on configuration management. This work is a direct extension of previous results from diagnosing problems with Internet network services , such as FTP and DNS. The example considered in this project is a simple local area network monitored with SPECTRUM management tools. The network manager provides sets of specifications which are used to synthesize a constraint representation of the network configuration. This is used to automatically build a diagnostician which in turn uses constraint algorithms and actual data obtained from the running network to detect configuration faults.

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Journal Title

Proceedings of 8th IEEE International Conference on Telecommunications

Document Type

Article

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