Ba-ZebraConf: A Three-Dimension Bayesian Framework for Efficient System Troubleshooting

TL;DR

Ba-ZebraConf introduces a three-dimensional Bayesian framework that significantly improves system troubleshooting efficiency by reducing tests, handling noise, and capturing parameter interdependencies in complex distributed systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel Bayesian approach combining Bayesian Group Testing, optimization, and risk refinement to enhance troubleshooting accuracy and scalability over existing methods like ZebraConf.

Findings

Reduces testing effort by 67% compared to ZebraConf

Achieves 0% false positives and negatives

Effectively handles noisy environments and large configuration spaces

Abstract

The proliferation of heterogeneous configurations in distributed systems presents significant challenges in ensuring stability and efficiency. Misconfigurations, driven by complex parameter interdependencies, can lead to critical failures. Group Testing (GT) has been leveraged to expedite troubleshooting by reducing the number of tests, as demonstrated by methods like ZebraConf. However, ZebraConf's binary-splitting strategy suffers from sequential testing, limited handling of parameter interdependencies, and susceptibility to errors such as noise and dilution. We propose Ba-ZebraConf, a novel three-dimensional Bayesian framework that addresses these limitations. It integrates (1) Bayesian Group Testing (BGT), which employs probabilistic lattice models and the Bayesian Halving Algorithm (BHA) to dynamically refine testing strategies, prioritizing high-informative parameters and adapting to real-time outcomes. Bayesian optimization tunes hyperparameters, such as pool sizes and test thresholds, to maximize testing efficiency. (2) Bayesian Optimization (BO) to automate hyperparameter tuning for test efficiency, and (3) Bayesian Risk Refinement (BRR) to iteratively capture parameter interdependencies and improve classification accuracy. Ba-ZebraConf adapts to noisy environments, captures parameter interdependencies, and scales effectively for large configuration spaces. Experimental results show that Ba-ZebraConf reduces test counts and execution time by 67% compared to ZebraConf while achieving 0% false positives and false negatives. These results establish Ba-ZebraConf as a robust and scalable solution for troubleshooting heterogeneous distributed systems.