Aggregation Header for Throughput Measurement in Network Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network aggregation technologies, such as LTE-WiFi aggregation, face challenges in accurately measuring throughput across radio access networks, particularly in scenarios involving dual connectivity and non-3GPP standards like WiMAX and CDMA, where IP address allocation and routing complexities arise.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating a new Layer 2 protocol or header for routing aggregated payloads within the communication network, allowing the payload to retain an LTE-assigned IP address, and using test data packets with an aggregation header to measure throughput and round trip time, enabling accurate service level assessment without involving higher protocol layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a new Layer 2 protocol or header is created for routing aggregated payloads, then measurement precision of throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by creating a dedicated Layer 2 aggregation header that carries test payload separately from regular data traffic. This segmentation allows throughput measurement to be isolated and measured independently, improving measurement precision without affecting the core data plane operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregation header acts as an intermediary structure between the test payload and the Layer 3 routing layer. It enables throughput measurement at Layer 2 while preserving the existing IP address allocation and routing mechanisms at Layer 3, thus improving measurement capability without increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If test data packets with aggregation header are used to measure throughput, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The aggregation header is prepared and attached to test payload packets in advance before transmission. This preliminary structuring allows receiving nodes to quickly identify and process test packets without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby minimizing processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregation header uses specific field values and markers (analogous to color coding) to clearly distinguish test payload packets from regular data packets. This clear differentiation enables rapid identification and processing of test packets at network nodes, reducing processing delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IP address allocation is maintained for aggregated payloads, then adaptability of the aggregation system is improved, but device complexity increases due to routing management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing identification function from the IP address and places it in the Layer 2 aggregation header. This extraction allows IP addresses to be preserved for end-to-end connectivity and adaptability, while the aggregation header handles the complexity of routing management within the aggregation context, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a Layer 2 aggregation header dimension above the existing IP layer, creating a multi-layer addressing scheme. This dimensional addition allows IP addresses to maintain their adaptability for end-to-end routing while the aggregation header provides the necessary routing management information, distributing complexity across layers rather than concentrating it.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first node (2) of a first network using a first radio access technology signals (SI) a second node (3) of a second network using a second radio access technology start and stop of a test data session and to send test data packets to a UE (1) in an aggregation mode via the second node (3) in the test data session. The UE (1) is associated with the second node (3). The test data packets comprise payload and an aggregation header including an indication that the payload comprises test data. The first node (2) determines (S4) a service level of the UE (1) with respect to the second node (3) based on a report on a throughput of the test data packets sent by the second node (3) in the test data session.