Fault detection with multiple observers

There is a pressing need for network management systems capable of handling faults. The use of a set of independent observers to detect faults in communication systems that are modeled by finite-state machines is proposed. An algorithm for constructing these observers and a fast real-time fault detection mechanism used by each observer are given. Since these observers run in parallel and independently, one immediate benefit is that of graceful degradation-one failed observer will not cause collapse of the fault management system. In addition, each observer has a simpler structure than the original system and can be operated at higher speed. This approach has the potential to be incorporated into the fault management system for a high-speed communication system