Study of algorithms for selecting effective network traffic monitors based on cover ratio

Abstract

Network traffic monitoring is a key component in the network management. Optimally selecting a small number of effective monitors can minimize the monitoring cost and maxi- mize the traffic cover ratio. However, if it is only needed to cover a portion of traffic with a given cover ratio, there can be multiple solutions satisfying the optimization requirements according to the former optimal selection methods. From the perspective of protection, for the purpose of getting the relatively best solutions, in consideration of the nodes whose failure will result in the maximal disconnection of the network, this paper investigates the idea of selecting a few critical nodes as monitors to achieve effective monitoring of the network traffic. We present practical solutions for two situations-"cost constraints" and "ensuring the cover ratio". We develop heuristics to cope with such problems. Our simulation results show that the critical nodes selected optimally are not only destructive, but can also be effective monitors for network traffic.