IPSOFACTO: a visual correlation tool for aggregate network traffic data

ABSTRACT

IP network operators collect aggregate traffic statistics on network interfaces via the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This is part of routine network operations for most ISPs; it involves a large infrastructure with multiple network management stations polling information from all the network elements and collating a real time data feed. This demo will present a tool that manages the live SNMP data feed on a fully operational large ISP at industry scale. The tool primarily serves to study correlations in the network traffic, by providing a rich mix of ad-hoc querying based on a user-friendly correlation interface and as well as canned queries, based on the expertise of the network operators with field experience. The tool is called IPSOFACTO for IP Stream-Oriented FAst Correlation TOol.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.3 Network Operations
          Subjects: Network management

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.2 Physical Design
      H.2.4 Systems
          Subjects: Transaction processing

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Experimentation, Performance