Synchronizing Counters in Asynchronous Packet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous communications networks face challenges in accurate performance management due to lack of end-to-end timing synchronization, variable packet sizes and transmission rates, over-subscription leading to packet loss, and increased CPU load in managing service level agreements, making it difficult to track and record data transmission effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specially marked network performance data packets (NPP) that synchronize counters across network nodes, allowing for accurate counting and prevention of counter rollover, enabling precise monitoring of data packets and transmission performance in asynchronous networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous packet switching is used to provide flexible data transmission, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but measurement precision and reliability of performance tracking deteriorate due to lack of timing synchronization and variable packet rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specially marked performance management (PM) packets as intermediary elements that carry timing and synchronization information through the asynchronous network. These packets act as mediators between the asynchronous transmission medium and the synchronous performance measurement requirements, enabling accurate counter synchronization without changing the underlying asynchronous packet switching mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of packet timing by inserting specially marked PM packets at known intervals and using them to synchronize counters at network nodes. This transforms the uncontrolled variable packet timing into a synchronized measurement framework while maintaining asynchronous transmission for regular data packets
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet switching with routing evaluation is used to manage traffic, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to processing overhead at each node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating PM packets differently from regular data packets at network nodes. PM packets are specially marked and receive prioritized handling with simplified processing for counter synchronization, while regular packets undergo full routing evaluation. This localized differentiation reduces overall processing overhead
3Productivity
If over-subscription is used to increase network utilization, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to packet loss and variable transmission rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively inserting PM packets at known intervals before performance measurement periods begin. These packets pre-synchronize counters at network nodes, ensuring that even if regular data packets are lost due to over-subscription, the performance measurement framework remains synchronized and reliable
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring performance of an asynchronous network may include communicating a first network performance data packet including a first indicia over an asynchronous network from a first network node to a second network node. A second network performance data packet including a second indicia may be communicated from the first network node to the second network node. At least one communications data packet may be communicated from the first network node to the second network node between communicating the first and second network performance data packets. At least one performance manager counter at the second network node may be incremented in response to receiving each communications data packet between the first and second network performance data packets.