Network Performance Measurement Across Intermediate Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network performance measurement methods are inadequate for large-scale networks, lacking comprehensive coverage and flexibility in data collection from various network devices.
Innovation Solution
A network performance measurement method that includes sending active measurement protocol packets with measurement indication information to trigger intermediate devices on the forwarding path to measure network performance, using IOAM headers and segment identifiers to indicate measurement devices, and collecting measurement information from both forward and reverse paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement is performed only at endpoint devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and comprehensiveness deteriorate due to insufficient coverage of intermediate network devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into multiple sections with intermediate devices, allowing measurement points to be distributed along the path rather than concentrated at endpoints. The active measurement protocol packet is divided to include segment identifiers that route the packet through specific intermediate devices for measurement, achieving comprehensive coverage without centralized complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement indication information field within the active measurement protocol packet that mediates between the endpoint devices and intermediate network devices. This intermediary mechanism enables intermediate devices to be identified and selected for measurement without requiring complex centralized control or modification of the underlying network protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If measurement indication information is embedded in packet headers, then measurement flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional header processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement indication information structure that can identify and select different types of intermediate devices (routers, switches, firewalls) using a unified mechanism. The segment identifier field serves multiple functions: routing the measurement packet, identifying measurement points, and selecting specific device types, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for different device types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes within the segment identifier field to control measurement behavior. By modifying the segment identifier values and types, the system can dynamically select different intermediate devices and measurement points without changing the overall packet structure or processing logic, maintaining simplicity while achieving flexibility
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive network performance data is collected from all intermediate devices, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to data management challenges in large-scale networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement data collection process by assigning specific intermediate devices to specific measurement tasks through segment identifiers. Each intermediate device collects and reports only the measurement data relevant to its segment, preventing data overload and management challenges while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the entire network path
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a network performance measurement method, apparatus, device, and system, and a storage medium, and relates to the field of communications technologies. That the method is performed by a first network device is used as an example. The method includes: The first network device sends a first active measurement protocol packet to a second network device, where the first active measurement protocol packet includes measurement indication information, the measurement indication information is used to indicate a measurement device on a forward path to measure network performance, the forward path is a forwarding path of the first active measurement protocol packet, the first network device and the second network device are two ends of the forward path, and the measurement device on the forward path includes at least one intermediate device on the forward path. In embodiments of this application, an intermediate device measures network performance, so that a node range for measuring network performance is more comprehensive, and obtained measurement information is more comprehensive, thereby meeting a requirement of a large-scale network for performance data collection.