Method and system for cut through delay measurement in network

Abstract

A method for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a network including a sending node and a receiving node. The method comprises generating a Delay Measuring message (DM) at the sending node. Moreover, the DM includes an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Furthermore, the method includes noting a first-time stamp and transmitting the DM to the receiving node at the sending node. The method further includes receiving the DM and determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC at the receiving node, whereby the method includes measuring the network delay.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUT THROUGH DELAY MEASUREMENT IN NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of network communication systems and, more specifically, to a method and a system for measuring a network delay for cut-through-forwarding (CTF) in a network comprising a sending node and a receiving node.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] With the rapid increase in the number of communication devices in a network, concerns about communication reliability have become prominent. Traditionally, the communication devices used in the network, such as network switches, especially Ethernet switches, operate in one of two modes that include a store and forward mode and a cut-through forwarding (CTF) mode. In the store and forward mode, the entire packet is received and then processed before being forwarded to a destination node. In the CTF mode, the processing of the packet begins upon receiving the header, even before the complete packet reaches the destination node. In common implementations, the transmission of the packet continues even if the packet is received with a false cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and if a queue of the destination node is empty. However, if the queue of the destination node is not empty, then, in that case, the transmission of the packet is delayed and consequently the packet is not forwarded in CTF mode. As a result, the overall processing time of the conventional network communication systems increases. Moreover, a minimal network delay (i.e., the network delay without congestion) measurement is required forthe implementation of various techniques and methods, such as for the implementation of congestion control algorithms, detection of the availability of the queue, and the like.

[0006] Currently, certain attempts have been made to measure the end-to-end delay in the network, such as by using a ping protocol, adding transit delays in the delay field, and the like. However, such attempts fail due to many reasons, such as the inability of the sending node and the destination node to measure the network delay, unpredictable network behavior, or limitations of conventional network communication systems and techniques to measure network delays accurately and reliably. Thus, there exists a technical problem of how to measure the end-to-end network delay accurately and reliably in the network utilizing the CTF mode.

[0007] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional network communication systems using CTF mode.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides a method and a system for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in the network. The present disclosure provides a solution to the existing problem of how to measure the end-to-end network delay accurately and reliably in the network utilizing the CTF. Furthermore, the present disclosure also provides a clear indication of whether a delay measurement message was forwarded in CTF mode or not, thereby indicating whether the measured delay represents the CTF delay or not. Moreover, the delay message includes an incorrect CRC. If one of the intermediate switches stores the packet since its queue is not empty, the CRC is verified by the switch and the packet is discarded. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an improved method for measuring the network delay forthe CTF in the network (i.e., a cut through delay measurement in the network). One or more objectives of the present disclosure are achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a network comprising a sending node and a receiving node. The method comprises generating a Delay Measuring message (DM) at the sending node. Moreover, the DM includes an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The method further comprises noting a first-time stamp and transmitting the DM to the receiving node. Furthermore, the method comprises receiving the DM at the receiving node, determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, and then measuring the network delay.

[0011] Advantageously, the method is used for measuring end-to-end network delay for the CTF to facilitate endpoint (i.e., from the sending node to the receiving node of the network) verification. The method is used for measuring the network delay by exchanging the DM and the DR between two endpoints (i.e., the sending node and the receiving node). The incorrect CRC is incorporated in the DM to provide valuable insights about delay characteristics that are associated with the network. Moreover, intermediate switches are configured to forward the DM in CTF mode, thereby forwarding the DM with the false CRC to the receiving node. Furthermore, the receiving node is configured to verify the incorrect CRC and transmit the DR in response to the received DM for the CTF throughout the entire network path to allow the measurement of network delay at each node (i.e., the sending node, the at least one intermediate node, and the receiving node). The generation and the transmission of the DM to the sending node by the receiving node establish a two-way communication between the sending node and the receiving node. Furthermore, each node of the network includes a time stamp in the received DM to ensure an accurate and reliable end- to-end network delay measurement. Moreover, the measurement of the end-to-end network delay can be further used for various purposes, such as network performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and the implementation of various congestion control algorithms.

[0012] In an implementation form, the method further comprises the receiving node in response to determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, generating a Delay Response message (DR) and transmitting the DR to the sending node. Moreover, the method further comprises receiving the DR at the sending node, noting a second time stamp, and determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp.

[0013] In such an implementation, the generation and transmission of the DR from the receiving node to the sending node is used to initiate a two-way communication between the sending node and the receiving node in the network that is further used for the network delay measurement.

[0014] In another implementation form, the method further comprises determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp by subtracting the first-time stamp from the second time stamp thereby providing the delay as roundtrip delay at the sending node.

[0015] Advantageously, the determination of the roundtrip delay can be further used to provide an insight into the time taken for the DM transmission (i.e., from the sending node to the receiving node and further from the receiving node to the sending node) along with the time taken by the sending node to receive an acknowledgment (i.e., a delay response message, DR) of the received DM by the receiving node in the network.

[0016] In yet another implementation form, the method further comprises the receiving node noting a third time stamp when receiving the DM and noting a fourth time stamp when sending the DR. Moreover, the DR includes the third and fourth time stamp. The method further comprises determining the delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp as (second time stamp - first-time stamp) - (fourth time stamp - third time stamp), thereby providing the delay as an end-to-end delay at the sending node. In such an implementation, the measurement of the end-to-end delay provides insights into the time taken by the packet at each node, including the time taken for the transmission of the DM and the DR at the sending node, the at least one intermediate node that is located between the sending node and the receiving node, and the receiving node. As a result, the end-to-end delay can be further utilized by various network communication systems and techniques, such as congestion control algorithms and the like to analyze the overall performance of the network.

[0017] In another implementation form, the method further comprises the sending node including the first-time stamp in the DM.

[0018] By virtue of including the first-time stamp in the DM, the time at which the DM is generated by the sending node can be identified by the sending node. As a result, the sending node can utilize the first-time stamp to measure the network delay in the network.

[0019] In yet another implementation form, the method further comprises including the incorrect CRC of the DM as the incorrect CRC of the DR, at the receiving node, thereby enabling the sending node to identify for which DM the DR is a response to.

[0020] Advantageously, the inclusion of the incorrect CRC of the DM and the incorrect CRC of the DR acts as an identifier that can be used by the sending node to cross-reference the received DR with the corresponding DM.

[0021] In another implementation form, the method further comprises including a correct CRC in a data pay load of the DM, and the receiving node validating the correct CRC upon receiving the DM and including a correct CRC in a data payload of the DR at the sending node.

[0022] Beneficially, the validation and inclusion of the correct CRC in the data payload of the DM and the DR enhances the accuracy and overall reliability of the data exchange during the measurement of the network delay.

[0023] In yet another implementation form, the method further comprises determining that the DR has not been received within a firsttime period from the first-time point, and in response thereto generating a second DM and transmitting the second DM to the receiving node at the sending node.

[0024] The generation and transmission of the second DM to the receiving node enable the sending node to address instances where the expected DR is not received within the anticipated timeframe (i.e., within the first-time period), thereby ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the delay measurement process in the network.

[0025] In another implementation form, the method further comprises generating the third DM at the sending node when determining that a number of DMs have been transmitted to which no DR have been received, the number of DMs exceeding a failure threshold number.

[0026] By determining that the number of DMs have been transmitted to which no DR has been received exceeding the failure threshold number, the method ensures that the sending node proactively manages and adapts the different challenging network conditions (e.g., connection issues or congestion issues) ensuring robustness in the network delay measurement.

[0027] In yet another implementation form, the method further comprises generating the DM having a length that exceeds a threshold limit for sensing a message utilizing CTF instead of Store-And-Forward at the sending node.

[0028] By surpassing the threshold limit, the DM serves as a suitable indicator for the network to allow the measurement of the network delays by enhancing the adaptability to the network conditions. In another implementation form, the method further comprises generating the DM having a header indicating that the DM is a Delay Measuring message at the sending node.

[0029] The indication of the DM as the Delay Measuring message having the header is beneficial to recognize and distinguish the DM from other types of messages. As a result, the overall processing time that is required for the identification and handling of the DMs is reduced.

[0030] In yet another implementation form, the network further comprises one or more intermediate nodes. The method further comprises transmitting the DM from the sending node to the receiving node via at least one of the intermediate nodes. The method further comprises the at least one of the intermediate nodes receiving the DM and forwarding the DM utilizing CTF.

[0031] Advantageously, the transmission of the DM through the at least one intermediary node ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the network delay throughout the network, such as by capturing the delay introduced at each node of a communication path of the network.

[0032] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system comprising one or more nodes and the system comprises one or more controllers configured to execute the method according to any preceding claim.

[0033] The system achieves all the advantages and technical effects of the method of the present disclosure.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a sending node operating in a network comprising the sending node and a receiving node. The method comprises the sending node generating a Delay Measuring message (DM) the DM comprising an incorrect cyclic redundancy check, (CRC) noting a first-time stamp, transmitting the DM to the receiving node, and measuring the network delay.

[0035] Advantageously, the method is used to measure the transmission delay for CTF in the network. The method is used to optimize the network delay measurement by generating the DM with an incorrect CRC that eliminates the requirement of any additional, time-consuming processes that are associated with the correct CRC and reduces the computational overhead associated with correct CRCs, making the network delay measurement more efficient and reliable. Furthermore, the inclusion of the first-time stamp in the DM enables real-time tracking of the DM transmission to provide an accurate network delay measurement, such as by capturing the time at which the DM is transmitted from the sending node.

[0036] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node controller configured to execute the method.

[0037] The network node controller achieves all the advantages and technical effects of the method of the present disclosure.

[0038] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a receiving node operating in a network comprising a sending node and the receiving node. The method comprises the receiving node receiving a DM from the sending node, the DM comprising an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC) determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, whereby the method comprises measuring the network delay.

[0039] Advantageously, the method is employed for the real-time measurement of network delay by efficiently, accurately, and reliably identifying the incorrect CRC in the received DM, thereby providing insights into the transmission of network delay within the network.

[0040] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a network node controller configured to execute the method. The network node controller achieves all the advantages and technical effects of the method of the present disclosure.

[0041] It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined. It is be noted that all devices, elements, circuitry, units, and means described in the present application could be implemented in the software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application, as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities, are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity that performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements, or any kind of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

[0046] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that depicts a system for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a network, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a sending node operating in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates various exemplary components of a sending node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a receiving node operating in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates various exemplary components of a receiving node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram that illustrates an exemplary illustration of a delay measurement procedure in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0052] FIG. 8 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary illustration of a delay measurement message format, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a flow chart of a method 100 for measuring the network delay for CTF in the network. The method 100 includes steps 102 and 110 that are used in a system that is configured to measure the network delay for the CTF in the network.

[0057] In operation, the method 100 is used for measuring the network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in the network including a sending node and a receiving node. The CTF corresponds to a forwarding mechanism that is used in network switches for data transmission. Moreover, the data transmission in the CTF begins before the entire data packet is received at the receiving node. In other words, the sending node initiates the data transmission, and the receiving node acts as a destination for the data transmission. The method 100 is used to measure network delays by providing a precise identification of best-case latency and valuable insights for network optimization and congestion control techniques.

[0058] At step 102, the method 100 includes generating a Delay Measuring message (DM) at the sending node. Moreover, the DM includes an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The DM is a specific type of message that is used in a network communication system for measuring the delay between two endpoints (i.e., between the sending node and the receiving node) in the network. The timestamps are included in the DM that allows the sending node and the receiving node to measure the time taken for a corresponding message to travel from a source (i.e., the sending node) node to a destination (i.e., the receiving node) node. Furthermore, the CRC corresponds to an error-detection code that is commonly used in digital networks and storage devices for the detection of any accidental changes in the data. As a result, the DM with CRC is used for assessing network performance, troubleshooting, and for network optimization.

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes generating the DM having a header indicating that the DM is a Delay Measuring message at the sending node. The indication of the DM as the Delay Measuring message having the header is beneficial to recognize and distinguish the DM from other types of messages. As a result, the overall processing time that is required for the identification and handling of the DMs is reduced.

[0060] At step 104, the method 100 further includes noting a first-time stamp at the sending node. The first-time stamp refers to an instance of the time at which a particular event, such as data transmission, takes place. Moreover, the first-time stamp serves as a reference point for measuring the overall network delay for CTF in the network. In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes storing the first-time stamp at the sending node. The sending node is configured to store the first-time stamp associated with the DM to serve as a reference point that can be further used to identify the initiation of the network delay measurement. In accordance with another embodiment, the method 100 further comprises including the first-time stamp in the DM at the sending node. The inclusion of the first-time stamp in the DM, the time at which the DM is generated by the sending node can be identified by the sending node. As a result, the sending node can utilize the first-time stamp to measure the network delay in the network.

[0061] At step 106, the method 100 comprises transmitting the DM to the receiving node. Firstly, the sending node is configured to initiate the data transmission by generating the DM. Thereafter, the sending node is configured to transmit the DM to the receiving node, such as through one or more intermediate nodes of the network. Advantageously, the transmission of the DM from the sending node to the receiving node ensures a precise measurement and analysis of the network delay in the network, which is further used for the evaluation and optimization of the network.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment, the network includes one or more intermediate nodes. The one or more intermediate nodes refer to intermediary nodes (or intermediary network devices, for example, switches), such as a first node, a second node, up to nth node that is located between the sending node and the receiving node of the network. Furthermore, the method 100 includes transmitting the DM from the sending node to the receiving node via at least one of the intermediate nodes, and the at least one of the intermediate nodes receiving the DM and forwarding the DM utilizing CTF. For example, the DM is transmitted from the sending node to the first node and finally to the receiving node. Similarly, the DM is transmitted from the sending node to the first node, then to the second node, and after that, the DM is transmitted to the receiving node. As a result, the transmission of the DM through the at least one intermediate node ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the network delay throughout the network, such as by capturing the delay introduced at each node of a communication path of the network.

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes forwarding the DM with an incorrect CRC. The DM with incorrect CRC includes an internal CRC for verifying the correctness of the DM, which is transmitted by the sending node to the receiving node through the at least one intermediate node to indicate that the corresponding DM is used for the network delay measurement rather than a regular data transmission.

[0064] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes determining that the DM is not forwarded utilizing CTF and in response thereto transmitting a notification thereof to the sending node at the at least one of the intermediate nodes. Firstly, the sending node is configured to transmit the DM to the receiving node through the at least one intermediate node. Moreover, the at least one intermediate node is configured to determine if the DM is forwarded by utilizing the CTF or not. If the received DM does not utilize the CTF, then, in that case, the corresponding intermediate node is configured to transmit the notification to the sending node, thereby informing the sending node about such non-utilization. As a result, such notification serves as an information to the sending node about such deviation so that the sending node can further perform the required actions.

[0065] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes determining that the DM is not forwarded utilizing CTF and in response thereto including a notification thereof to the forwarded DM the at least one of the intermediate nodes. The notification serves as an indication to the sending node that the DM was not processed by utilizing the CTF mechanism. Advantageously, the inclusion of the notification in the forwarded DM enhances the transparency and provides feedback to the sending node regarding the forwarding mode employed by the at least one or more intermediate nodes, contributing to the enhancement of the accuracy of network delay measurements.

[0066] At step 108, the method 100 further includes receiving the DM. The receiving node is connected to the sending node through the at least one intermediate node, which is located in the communication path of the network. The sending node is configured to generate the DM and further transmit the generated DM to the receiving node. The receiving of the DM by the receiving node is further utilized to measure the end-to-end network delay in the network.

[0067] At step 110, the method 100 further includes determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, whereby the method 100 comprises measuring the network delay. The determination of the incorrect CRC acts as an indicator that the DM is transmitted throughout the network in order to measure the network delay. Moreover, the measuring of the network delay corresponds to the measurement of the time delay introduced during the transmission of data packets between the sending node, the at least one intermediate node, and the receiving node within the network. As a result, the network delay is measured to provide insights into the performance of the network and the characteristics of the network.

[0068] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes, at the receiving node, in response to determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, generating a delay response (DR) and transmitting the DR to the sending node. Firstly, the receiving node is configured to receive the DM, which is generated and sent by the sending node through the at least one intermediate node. Thereafter, upon receiving the DM from the sending node, the receiving node is configured to determine whether the DM has incorrect CRC or not. In an implementation, the receiving node determines that the DM has the correct CRC. In another implementation, the receiving node determines that the DM has incorrect CRC. Moreover, if during the reception of the DM, the receiving node determines that the CRC of the DM is incorrect, then, in that case, the receiving node is configured to verify the CRC (i.e., an internal CRC), record the time stamp of the reception of the DM, and further generate the DR with incorrect CRC that is required to be sent back to the sending node, incorporating the time of reception of the DM, and the time of transmission of the DR. Moreover, the DR corresponds to a response for the received DM that includes an internal CRC for verifying the correctness of the DR by the sending node. Furthermore, the method 100 includes receiving the DR, noting a second time stamp, and determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp at the sending node. As a result, two-way communication between the sending node and the receiving node in the network is initiated.

[0069] In accordance with an embodiment, the DR includes an incorrect CRC. The generation of the incorrect CRC is used to compute the CTF network delay based on the received timestamps, such as the first-time stamp afterthe verification of the internal CRC.

[0070] In accordance with another embodiment, the method 100 further includes determining that the CRC of the DM is correct and in response thereto generates the DR having the correct CRC at the receiving node. Upon receiving the DM, the receiving node is configured to perform a validation check on the CRC to confirm the accuracy of the DM. If the CRC is determined as correct, then, in that case, the receiving node is further configured to record the time of reception of the DM and further generate the DR with a correct CRC, which is further transmitted to the sending node by incorporating the time of reception of the DM, and the time of transmission of the DR. Therefore, the correct CRC in the DR serves as confirmation that the received DM is processed accurately.

[0071] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp by subtracting the first-time stamp from the second time stamp thereby providing the delay as a roundtrip delay at the sending node. In an implementation, the first-time stamp represents a timestamp, which is noted when the DM is transmitted to the receiving node. In another implementation, the second time stamp represents another time stamp, which is noted when the DR is received by the sending node. Moreover, subtracting the second time stamp from the first-time stamp allows for the calculation of the delay as the roundtrip delay. Advantageously, the determination of the roundtrip delay can be further used to provide an insight into the time taken for the DM transmission (i.e., from the sending node to the receiving node and further from the receiving node to the sending node) along with the time taken by the sending node to receive an acknowledgment (i.e., a delay response message, DR) of the received DM by the receiving node in the network. In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes noting a third time stamp when receiving the DM and noting a fourth time stamp when sending the DR at the receiving node. Moreover, the DR comprises the third and fourth time stamp and the method 100 further comprises the sending node determining the delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp as (second time stamp - first-time stamp) - (fourth time stamp - third time stamp), thereby providing the delay as an end-to-end delay. In other words, the first-time stamp is noted when the DM is transmitted by the sending node to the receiving node. Furthermore, the second time stamp is noted when the DR is received by the sending node. The subtraction of the second time stamp from the first-time stamp depicts the time taken by the sending node to receive the DR in response to the DM, which is transmitted to the receiving node. Moreover, the subtraction of the fourth time stamp from the third time stamp depicts the time taken by the receiving node to receive the DM and further transmit the DR to the sending node. Finally, the end-to-end delay is calculated by subtracting the calculated roundtrip delay (i.e., the second time stamp - the first-time stamp) from the time stamp obtained after the subtraction of the fourth time stamp from the third time stamp. As a result, the measurement of the end-to-end delay provides insights into the time taken by the packet at each node, including the time taken for the transmission of the DM and the DR at the sending node, the at least one intermediate node that is located between the sending node and the receiving node, and the receiving node. As a result, the end-to-end delay can be further utilized by various network communication systems and techniques, such as congestion control algorithms and the like to analyze the overall performance of the network.

[0072] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes including the incorrect CRC of the DM as the incorrect CRC of the DR, thereby enabling the sending node to identify which DM the DR is a response to at the receiving node. In other words, the sending node is configured to transmit the DM to the receiving node with incorrect CRC. After that, the receiving node is configured to include the incorrect CRC of the received DM as the incorrect CRC of the DR. Moreover, the DR is transmitted by the receiving node to the sending node in response to the received DM. For example, a first DM is received by the receiving node with incorrect CRC, then, in that case, such incorrect CRC is further added to a first DR, which is transmitted by the receiving node to enable the sending node to identify that the corresponding second DR is in response to the first DM. Advantageously, the inclusion of the incorrect CRC of the DM and the incorrect CRC of the DR acts as an identifier that can be used by the sending node to cross-reference the received DR with the corresponding DM.

[0073] In accordance with another embodiment, the method 100 further includes including a DM identifier in the DR, thereby enabling the sending node to identify which DM the DR is a response to at the receiving node. The DM identifier serves as a unique identifier associated with the DM transmitted from the sending node. By including the DM identifier in the DR, the sending node, upon receiving the DR, can easily identify and correlate the DR with the corresponding DM that initiated the delay measurement, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the network delay measurement.

[0074] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes the sending node including a correct CRC in a data payload of the DM. Furthermore, the method 100 comprises the receiving node validating the correct CRC upon receiving the DM and including a correct CRC in a data payload of the DR. Firstly, the sending node is configured to include the correct CRC in the data pay load of the generated DM, which is further transmitted to the receiving node of the network. Thereafter, the receiving node is configured to validate the integrity of the correct CRC, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the transmitted DM. Subsequently, if the CRC in the DM is validated include the correct DM. In such a case, the receiving node is configured to include the corresponding correct CRC in the data pay load of the DR, which is generated by the receiving node in response to the received DM. Advantageously, the validation and inclusion of the correct CRC in the data payload of the DM and the DR enhances the accuracy and overall reliability of the data exchange during the measurement of the network delay.

[0075] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further comprises the sending node determining that a DR has not been received within a first-time period from the first-time point, and in response thereto generating a second DM and transmitting the second DM to the receiving node. The second DM is transmitted from the sending node to the receiving node when the DR is not received by the sending node within the first-time period from the first-time point (i.e., within the stipulated timeframe). The generation and transmission of the second DM to the receiving node enable the sending node to address instances where the expected DR is not received within the anticipated timeframe (i.e., within the first-time period), thereby ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the delay measurement process in the network.

[0076] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes generating a second incorrect CRC for the second DM at the sending node. The second DM with incorrect CRC is transmitted from the sending node to the receiving node through the at least one intermediate node to indicate that the corresponding DM is used for delay measurement rather than a regular data transmission.

[0077] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes determining that the DR has not been received and in response thereto generating a third DM having a correct CRC transmitting the third DM to the receiving node, and then determining that there is a connection issue if a DR is not received in response to the third DM or determining that there CTF is not currently employed if a DR is received in response to the third DM at the sending node. If the DR is not received by the sending node, the sending node generates a third DM with the correct CRC and further transmits the generated CRC to the receiving node. After the transmission of the third DM to the receiving node, the sending node is configured to monitor the reception of the DR. Moreover, if the DR is not received by the receiving node after a preconfigured timeout, then, in that case, the sending node is configured to retransmit the DM. Moreover, after the "N" number of transmissions of the third DM without receiving the DR, the sending node is configured to retransmit the DM with a correct CRC, causing the message (i.e., the DM and the DR exchange) exchange to be completed without verifying the CTF. As a result, such determination of the related concerns with respect to the transmission of DM provides valuable insights into the operational state of the network and allows the sending node to make informed decisions about network conditions.

[0078] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further includes generating the third DM when determining that a number of DMs have been transmitted to which no DR have been received, the number of DMs exceeding a failure threshold number at the sending node. By determining that the number of DMs have been transmitted to which no DR has been received exceeding the failure threshold number, the method 100 is used to ensure that the sending node proactively manages and adapts the different challenging network conditions (e.g., connection issues or congestion issues) ensuring robustness in the network delay measurement.

[0079] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 100 further comprises the sending node generating the DM having a length that exceeds a threshold limit for sensing a message utilizing CTF instead of Store-And-Forward. The generation of the DM having a length that exceeds the threshold limit for sensing the message utilizing the CTF instead of the Store-And-Forward enables the detection of the delivery mechanism that is used in the network, such as the Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) mechanism and the Store-And-Forward mechanism. In an implementation, the threshold limit is known by a system. In another implementation, the threshold limit can be queried from an intermediate node, possibly by sending a probe message. Furthermore, if any intermediate node from the at least one intermediate node along the path does not use CTF, then, in that case, the intermediate node is configured to discard the packet. By surpassing the threshold limit, the DM serves as a suitable indicator for the network to allow the measurement of the network delays by enhancing the adaptability to the network conditions.

[0080] Advantageously, the method 100 is used for measuring end-to-end network delay for the CTF to facilitate endpoint (i.e., from the sending node to the receiving node of the network) verification. The method 100 is used for measuring the network delay by exchanging the DM and the DR between two endpoints (i.e., the sending node and the receiving node). The incorrect CRC is incorporated in the DM to provide valuable insights about delay characteristics that are associated with the network. Furthermore, the receiving node is configured to verify the incorrect CRC and transmit the DR in response to the received DM for the CTF throughout the entire network path to allow the measurement of network delay at each node (i.e., the sending node, the at least one intermediate node, and the receiving node). The generation and the transmission of the DM to the sending node by the receiving node establish a two-way communication between the sending node and the receiving node. Furthermore, each node of the network includes a time stamp in the received DM to ensure an accurate and reliable end-to-end network delay measurement. Moreover, the measurement of the end-to-end network delay can be further used for various purposes, such as network performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and the implementation of various congestion control algorithms.

[0081] The steps 102 to 110 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[0082] There is further provided a computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method 100 when executed by one or more processors in the network. The computer program product is implemented as an algorithm, embedded in a software stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage means may include but are not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Examples of implementation of computer-readable storage medium, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system comprising one or more nodes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a system 200 comprising a sending node 202, at least one intermediate node 212, a receiving node 208, and a communication network 206.

[0084] In an implementation, the sending node 202 includes a first network node controller 204 and the at least one intermediate node 212 includes a first intermediate node 212A, a second intermediate node 212B, up to nth intermediate node 212N. Similarly, the receiving node 208 includes a second network node controller 210.

[0085] Examples of the first network node controller 204 and the second network node controller 210 may include, but are not limited to, a processor, an integrated circuit, a co-processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) processor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a data processing unit, and other processors or circuits. Moreover, the first network node controller 204 and the second network node controller 210 may refer to one or more individual processors, processing devices, and a processing unit that is part of a machine.

[0086] The communication network 206 is used by the sending node 202, the at least one intermediate node 212, and the receiving node 208 to communicate with each other. Examples of implementation of the communication network 206 may include but are not limited to a network interface, a computer port, a network socket, a network interface controller (NIC), and any other network interface device.

[0087] In operation, the system 200 is configured to measure the network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in the network comprising the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208. The sending node 202 is configured to generate a Delay Measuring message (DM) including an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC) through the first network node controller 204. Thereafter, the first network node controller 204 is configured to note a first-time stamp and then transmit the DM to the receiving node 208. Furthermore, the receiving node 208, such as through the second network node controller 210 is configured to receive the DM and determine that the DM has an incorrect CRC. Thereafter, the second network node controller 210 is configured to generate a delay response message (DR) and transmit the generated DR to the sending node 202, which is further utilized by the sending node 202 for the measurement of the network delay.

[0088] Advantageously, the system 200 is configured to measure the end-to-end network delay for the CTF to facilitate endpoint (i.e., from the sending node 202 to the receiving node 208 of the network) verification. The system 200 is configured to measure the network delay by exchanging the DM and the DR between two endpoints (i.e., the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208). The incorrect CRC is incorporated in the DM to provide valuable insights about delay characteristics that are associated with the network. Furthermore, the receiving node 208 is configured to verify the incorrect CRC and transmit the DR in response to the received DM for the CTF throughout the entire network path to allow the measurement of network delay at each node (i.e., the sending node 202, the at least one intermediate node 212, and the receiving node 208). The generation and the transmission of the DM to the sending node 202 by the receiving node 208 establish a two-way communication between the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208. Furthermore, each node of the network includes a time stamp in the received DM to ensure an accurate and reliable end-to-end network delay measurement. Moreover, the measurement of the end-to-end network delay can be further used for various purposes, such as network performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and the implementation of various congestion control algorithms.

[0089] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding in a sending node operating in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1 and 2. With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a method 300 that includes steps 302 to 306. The method 300 is executed by the sending node 202 (of FIG.2) operating in the network.

[0090] There is provided the method 300 for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in the sending node 202 operating in the network comprising the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208. The method 300 is used to measure network delays by providing a precise identification of best-case latency and valuable insights for network optimization and congestion control techniques.

[0091] At step 302, the method 300 includes generating a delay measuring message (DM). The DM with CRC is used for assessing network performance, troubleshooting, and for network optimization. Moreover, the DM includes an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The CRC corresponds to an error-detection code that is executed to detect errors in the transmitted data and is commonly used in the digital networks and storage devices to detect accidental changes in the data.

[0092] At step 304, the method 300 includes noting a first-time stamp. The first-time stamp refers to a record of the time at which a particular event, such as the data transmission occurs. Moreover, the first-time stamp serves as a reference point for measuring the network delay for CTF in the network.

[0093] At step 306, the method 300 includes transmitting the DM to the receiving node 208 and measuring the network delay. Advantageously, the transmission of the DM from the sending node 202 to the receiving node 208 ensures a precise measurement and analysis of the network delay in the network, which is used for evaluating and optimizing the performance of the network.

[0094] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 300 further includes receiving a DR, noting the second time stamp, and determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp. The second time stamp is recorded when the DR is received. Subsequently, the network delay (i.e., the round-trip delay) is determined by subtracting the second time stamp by the first-time stamp. The measurement of the network delay is based on the timestamps associated with the transmission and reception of the DM and DR, respectively. As a result, a two-way communication between the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208 in the network is established.

[0095] Advantageously, the method 300 is used to measure the transmission delay for CTF in the network. The method 300 is used to optimize the network delay measurement by generating the DM with an incorrect CRC that eliminates the requirement of any additional, time-consuming processes that are associated with the correct CRC and reduces the computational overhead associated with correct CRCs, making the network delay measurement more efficient and reliable. Furthermore, the inclusion of the first-time stamp in the DM enables real-time tracking of the DM transmission to provide an accurate network delay measurement, such as by capturing the time at which the DM is transmitted from the sending node 202.

[0096] The steps 302 to 306 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[0097] There is further provided a computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method 300 when executed by one or more processors in the network. The computer program product is implemented as an algorithm, embedded in a software stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage means may include but are not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Examples of implementation of computer-readable storage medium, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0098] FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates various exemplary components of a sending node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is described in conjunction with elements fromFIGs. 1, 2, and 3. With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown the sending node 202 that comprises the first network node controller 204, a first memory 402, and a first network interface 404. The first network node controller 204 of the sending node 202 is configured to execute the method 300 of FIG. 3.

[0099] The sending node 202 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that is configured to generate the delay measuring message (DM) and transmit the generated DM to the receiving node 208 through the at least one intermediate node 212 located in a network.

[0100] The first memory 402 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that is configured to store machine code and / or instructions executable by the first network node controller 204. Examples of implementation of the first memory 402 may include, but are not limited to, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0101] The first network interface 404 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, or code that is communicatively coupled with the first memory 402 and the first network node controller 204. Examples of the first network interface 404 include, but are not limited to, a data terminal, a transceiver, a facsimile machine, and the like.

[0102] In an operation, the first network node controller 204 (or a network node controller) of the sending node 202 is configured to generate the delay measuring message (DM) with incorrect CRC. Furthermore, the first network node controller 204 of the sending node 202 is configured to note a first-time stamp and further transmit the DM to the receiving node 208. Finally, the network delay in the network is measured with enhanced accuracy and reliability.

[0103] Advantageously, the first network node controller 204 is configured to measure the transmission delay for CTF in the network. The first network node controller 204 is configured to optimize the network delay measurement by generating the DM with an incorrect CRC that eliminates the requirement of any additional, time-consuming processes that are associated with the correct CRC and reduces the computational overhead associated with correct CRCs, making the network delay measurement more efficient and reliable. Furthermore, the inclusion of the first-time stamp in the DM enables real-time tracking of the DM transmission to provide an accurate network delay measurement, such as by capturing the time at which the DM is transmitted from the sending node 202.

[0104] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding in a receiving node operating in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1, 2, and 3. With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a method 500 that includes steps 502 to 504. The method 500 is executed by the sending node 202 operating in the network.

[0105] There is provided the method 500 for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF) in the receiving node 208 (of FIG. 2) operating in the network comprising the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208.

[0106] At step 502, the method 500 includes receiving a delay measuring message (DM) from the sending node 202. The receiving node 208 is connected to the at least one intermediate node 212 in the communication path of the network with the sending node 202. The sending node 202 is configured to generate the DM and to further send the generated DM to the receiving node 208. The receiving node 208 through the at least one intermediate node 212 receives the DM from the sending node 202 that is further utilized to measure the network delay in the network.

[0107] At step 504, the method 500 comprises determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC. The determination of the incorrect CRC acts as an indicator that the DM is transmitted throughout the network in order to measure the network delay. The measuring of the network delay corresponds to the measurement of the time delay introduced during the transmission of data packets between the sending node 202, the at least one intermediate node 212, and the receiving node 208 within the network. As a result, the network delay is measured to provide insights into the performance of the network and the characteristics of the network in terms of data transmission.

[0108] In accordance with an embodiment, the method 500 further comprises determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC and in response thereto generate a delay response message (DR) that has an incorrect CRC. Firstly, the receiving node 208 is configured to receive the DM, which is generated and sent by the sending node 202 through the at least one intermediate node 212. Thereafter, upon receiving the DM from the sending node 202, the receiving node 208 is configured to determine whether the DM has incorrect CRC or correct CRC. In an implementation, the receiving node 208 determines that the DM has the correct CRC. In another implementation, the receiving node 208 determines that the DM has incorrect CRC. Moreover, if during the reception of the DM, the receiving node 208 determines that the CRC of the DM is incorrect, then, in that case, the receiving node 208 is configured to initiate the generation of the DR. The DR corresponds to a response for the received DM, which is further sent to the sending node 202 from the receiving node 208. Furthermore, the method 500 comprises receiving the DR, noting a second time stamp, and determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp at the sending node 202. As a result, a two-way communication between the sending node 202 and the receiving node 208 in the network is initiated. Advantageously, the method 500 is used for real-time measurement of network delay by efficiently, accurately, and reliably identifying an incorrect CRC in the received DM, providing insights into transmission delays in the network.

[0109] The steps 502 to 504 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[0110] There is further provided a computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method 500 when executed by one or more processors in the network. The computer program product is implemented as an algorithm, embedded in a software stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage means may include but are not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Examples of implementation of computer-readable storage medium, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates various exemplary components of a receiving node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown a receiving node 208 that comprises the second network node controller 210, a second memory 602, and a second network interface 604. The second network node controller 210 of the receiving node 208 is configured to execute the method 500 of FIG. 5.

[0112] The receiving node 208 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that is configured to receive the delay response message (DM) through the at least one intermediate node 212 located in a network.

[0113] The second memory 602 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that is configured to store machine code and / or instructions executable by the second network node controller 210. Examples of implementation of the second memory 602 may include, but are not limited to, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), a computer-readable storage medium, and / or CPU cache memory.

[0114] The second network interface 604 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, or code that is communicatively coupled with the second memory 602, and the second network node controller 210. Examples of the second network interface 604 are similar to the examples of the second network interface 604.

[0115] In an operation, the second network node controller 210 (or a network node controller) of the receiving node 208 is configured to receive the DM from the sending node 202 and the DM includes an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The second network node controller 210 is configured to determine that the DM has an incorrect CRC and to measure the network delay. Furthermore, the receiving node 208 is configured to generate the delay response message (DR) that includes the incorrect CRC and further transmit the DR to the sending node 202, which is further utilized to measure the network delay with an enhanced accuracy and reliability.

[0116] Advantageously, the second network node controller 210 is configured for real-time measurement of network delay by efficiently, accurately, and reliably identifying an incorrect CRC in the received DM, providing insights into transmission delays in the network. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram that illustrates an exemplary illustration of a delay measurement procedure in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is described in conjunction with elements from FIG. 2,4, and 6. With reference to FIG. 7, there is shown a sequence diagram 700 that includes a sending node 202 (i.e., a first endpoint A), a receiving node 208 (i.e., a second endpoint C), and an intermediate node 704 (i.e., a switch B) with Cut-Through-Forwarding (CTF). There is further shown a time axis 702 that depicts the flow of events with respect to time.

[0117] In an exemplary scenario, the sending node 202 is configured to generate a Delay Message (DM) with an incorrect cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Furthermore, the sending node 202 is configured to incorporate a first-time stamp (i.e., Tl) in the DM. At operation 706, the sending node 202 is configured to send the generated DM to the intermediate node 704. At operation 708, the intermediate node 704 sends the DM to the receiving node 208. After that, the receiving node 208 detects the incorrect CRC. However, the pay load includes a correct CRC that is used to verify that the remaining DM does not include any errors. The receiving node 208 captures the time of reception of the DM, a third time stamp T3, and generates a delay response message (DR). At operation 710, the receiving node 208 sends the generated DR that includes a first-time stamp Tl, a time of reception of DM T3, and a time of transmission that is a fourth time stamp T4 to the intermediate node 704. Furthermore, the intermediate node 704 sends the DR to the sending node 202 at operation 712. The sending node 202 receives the DR, detects the inclusion of the incorrect CRC, and thereafter captures the reception time of DR, which is a second time stamp T2. Finally, the sending node 202 is configured to determine the delay based on the first-time stamp Tl and the second time stamp T2 as (second time stamp T2 - first-time stamp Tl) - (fourth time stamp T4 - third time stamp T3), thereby providing the delay as an end-to-end delay. Additionally, a forward delay can be determined by subtracting the first-time stamp Tl from the third time stamp T3. Similarly, a reverse delay can be determined by subtracting the fourth time stamp T4 from the second time stamp T2.

[0118] FIG. 8 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary illustration of a delay measurement message format, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is described in conjunction with elements from FIG. 2, 4, 6, and 7. With reference to FIG. 8, there is shown a diagram 800 that depicts an exemplary illustration of the delay measurement message (DM) format that includes a destination address 802, a source address 804, a type 806, a sender DM timestamp (Tl) 808, a receiver DM timestamp (T3) 810, a receiver DR timestamp (T4) 812, a sender DR timestamp (T6) 814, a padding 816, an internal cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 818, and a CRC 820. In an implementation, the fields for the destination address 802, the source address 804, the type 806, and the CRC 820 are the standard fields in an Ethernet, as shown by a dotted pattern. In another implementation, the fields for the sender DM timestamp (Tl) 808, the receiver DM timestamp (T3) 810, the receiver DR timestamp (T4) 812, the sender DR timestamp (T6) 814, the padding 816, and the internal CRC 818, as shown without any pattern are specific to the DM or delay response message (DM). Moreover, the DM and the DR have the same format, however, the addresses of both DM and DR are reversed with each other. Additionally, the fields forthe sender DM timestamp (Tl) 808, the receiver DM timestamp (T3) 810, the receiver DR timestamp (T4) 812, the sender DR timestamp (T6) 814, the padding 816, and the internal CRC 818 are not used in the DM, but are reserved for usage in the DR. However, the field for the sender DR timestamp (T6) 814 is not used while the DR is transmitted through the network and can be used internally by the receiving node 208 to simplify the implementation of passing the sender DR timestamp (T6) 814. In addition, the internal CRC 818 is used for verifying the correctness of the received message and is computed over all the fields of the message except the CRC 820 field and the field internal CRC 818. As a result, the end-to-end network delay is measured.

[0119] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", and "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be constmed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (100) for measuring a network delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding, CTF, in a network comprising a sending node (202) and a receiving node (208), the method (100) comprising the sending node (202): generating a Delay Measuring message, DM, the DM comprising an incorrect cyclic redundancy check, CRC, noting a first-time stamp and transmitting the DM to the receiving node (208), and wherein the method (100) further comprises the receiving node (208) receiving the DM, determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, whereby the method (100) comprises measuring the network delay.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the method (100) further comprises the receiving node (206) in response to determining that the DM has an incorrect CRC, generating a Delay Response message and transmitting the DR to the sending node (202), and wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) receiving the DR, noting a second time stamp and determining the network delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the method (100) further comprises the receiving node (206) noting a third time stamp when receiving the DM, noting a fourth time stamp when sending the DR, the DR comprising the third and fourth time stamp, and wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) determining the delay based on the first-time stamp and the second time stamp as (second time stamp - first-time stamp) - (fourth time stamp - third time stamp), thereby providing the delay as an end-to-end delay.

4. The method (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) including the first-time stamp in the DM.

5. The method (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) determining that a DR has not been received within a first-time period from the first-time point, and in response thereto generating a second DM and transmitting the second DM to the receiving node (208).

6. The method (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) determining that a DR has not been received and in response thereto generating a third DM having a correct CRC and transmitting the third DM to the receiving node (208) and then determining that there is a connection issue if a DR is not received in response to the third DM or determining that the CTF is not currently employed if a DR is received in response to the third DM.

7. The method (100) according to claim 6, wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) generating the third DM when determining that a number of DMs have been transmitted to which no DR have been received, the number of DMs exceeding a failure threshold number.

8. The method (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the method (100) further comprises the sending node (202) generating the DM having a header indicating that the DM is a Delay Measuring message.

9. The method (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the network further comprises one or more intermediate nodes (212), and wherein the method (100) further comprises transmitting the DM from the sending node (202) to the receiving node (206) via at least one of the intermediate nodes (212), and wherein the method (100) further comprises the at least one of the intermediate nodes (212) receiving the DM and forwarding the DM utilizing CTF.

10. The method (100) according to claim 9, wherein the method (100) further comprises the at least one of the intermediate nodes (212) determining that the DM is not forwarded utilizing CTF and in response thereto transmitting a notification thereof to the sending node (202).

11. The method (100) according to claim 9, wherein the method (100) further comprises the at least one of the intermediate nodes (212) determining that the DM is not forwarded utilizing CTF and in response thereto including a notification thereof to the forwarded DM.

12. The method (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the method (100) further comprises the receiving node (206) determining that the CRC of the DM is correct and in response thereto generate the DR having a correct CRC.

13. A system (200) comprising one or more nodes, wherein the system (200) comprises one or more controllers configured to execute the method (100) according to any preceding claim.

14. A method (300) for measuring a transmission delay for Cut-Through-Forwarding, CTF, in a sending node (202) operating in a network comprising the sending node (202) and a receiving node (208), the method (300) comprising the sending node (202) generating a Delay Measuring message, DM, the DM comprising an incorrect cyclic redundancy check, CRC, noting a first-time stamp, transmitting the DM to the receiving node (208) and measuring the network delay.

15. A computer program product comprising program instructions for performing the method (100, 300, 500) according to any of claims 1 to 12 or 14, when executed by one or more processors in a network.

Images