Automatic DSCP Tracing for XoIP Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DiffServ network monitoring approaches are burdensome and inefficient, particularly in large networks, as they often require testing every combination of packets and ports, limiting the ability to detect QoS issues and necessitating the monitoring of every device, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an agent-based system that performs automatic DSCP tracing for any type of traffic and port, using a cache to identify and test only untested destinations, and sharing information to avoid redundant tests, allowing for targeted monitoring and remedial actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If registered agents perform DSCP tests using UDP traffic to specific ports, then some network performance issues can be detected, but the ability to detect issues with other types of traffic and ports is greatly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal testing framework where registered agents can perform DSCP tests with multiple packet types (UDP, TCP, ICMP) and to multiple port destinations. The system automatically selects appropriate packet types and ports based on the specific network path and destination being tested, making the monitoring system adaptable to diverse traffic scenarios without requiring separate specialized agents for each protocol.
2Reliability
If every combination of packets and ports is tested, then complete network issue detection is achieved, but the testing becomes unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a smart testing strategy that performs partial testing rather than exhaustive testing of every packet-type-and-port combination. The system selectively tests only the relevant combinations based on actual network traffic patterns, service level agreements, and identified problem areas. This approach achieves sufficient issue detection coverage while maintaining feasible testing throughput by avoiding unnecessary redundant tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from previous test results, network traffic monitoring, and service level agreement definitions to dynamically adjust which packet-type and port combinations are tested. The feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from past findings and focus testing efforts on areas most likely to reveal new issues, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining detection effectiveness.
3Extent of automation
If a server-based system instructs agents when and where to run tests, then centralized control is maintained, but automatic testing with independent determination of DSCP trace cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capability in registered agents, allowing them to independently determine when and where to run DSCP tests based on local conditions such as detected network traffic patterns, local service level agreements, and previously cached test results. Agents can autonomously initiate tests without waiting for server instructions, reducing the need for centralized control while maintaining consistent monitoring standards through shared configuration data.
4Productivity
If agents independently determine DSCP trace and run network tests, then redundant tests are avoided, but coordination between agents to share information becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary that facilitates information sharing and coordination between distributed registered agents. The server maintains a repository of test results, network topology data, and service level agreement definitions that agents can query and contribute to. This intermediary architecture enables agents to avoid redundant tests by checking the server for existing results while maintaining their independence to autonomously determine when to run tests based on local conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for performing automatic Differentiated Services Code Point tracing for XoIP elements. A system configured as an agent maintains a cache of destination network addresses based on prior network communications. Then, the system identifies a destination network address to test. The system can identify the destination network address to test based on the cache of destination network addresses. The cache can include additional information, such as network test results, traffic information, port numbers, DSCP trace value, measurements of traffic protection, service provider information, etc. Next, the system automatically sends to the destination network address a network test configured to determine a Differentiated Services Code Point trace. The system can perform the network test for any type of network traffic and port.