IPnivelet

IPnivelet is a modular framework designed to enable fine-grained network telemetry and adaptive path control in IP networks. The name blends IP with nivelet, a coined term for a compact telemetry node that can be deployed at network edges or inline. The framework comprises sensor devices called nivelets and a central controller that coordinates data collection and policy actions.

Nivelet sensor nodes attach to networks via passive taps, SPAN ports, or virtual interfaces. They record metrics such as one-way and two-way latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput, and path changes. They support telemetry formats including IPFIX/NetFlow-like streams, sFlow, and streaming telemetry over TLS. They can tag data with metadata such as location, device, and interface.

The IPnivelet Controller aggregates telemetry, stores it in time-series databases, and offers APIs for dashboards and automation. It can push quality-of-service and routing adjustments to compatible devices through SDN controllers or standard management interfaces. Security features include mutual TLS, role-based access control, and tamper-evident logging.

Applications include network performance monitoring, capacity planning, reliability engineering for critical infrastructure, and IoT edge networks where visibility and automated remediation are valuable.

Development and status: The IPnivelet concept arose in late-2010s discussions about unifying telemetry with traffic management. While not standardized at present, related ideas appear in commercial telemetry platforms and SDN-based traffic engineering projects.