Network Stress Test for BACnet Server Polling Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building Automation and Control Networks (BACnet) protocols face performance degradation and potential failures due to high client traffic and rapid polling, leading to server lag, buffering, or failure, which can cause system-wide slowdowns or failures affecting inhabitant comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A network stress test method that involves a client-server communication model, where a client sends requests to a server at set frequencies, measures elapsed times, and compares them to communication thresholds, increasing frequency until the threshold is exceeded, and halts requests when the threshold is reached, using capture software to record and analyze request-response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the polling frequency is increased to improve data freshness and system responsiveness, then the system can detect and respond to changes more quickly, but the server performance degrades and may lead to lag, buffering, or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of polling frequency based on server performance conditions. The system automatically increases or decreases the polling rate depending on whether the server can handle the load, transforming the static polling mechanism into a dynamic one that adapts to changing system conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high polling frequency only when server capacity permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors server response performance and uses this information to adjust future polling behavior. When the server responds slowly or fails to respond, the system reduces polling frequency; when the server performs well, it increases frequency. This closed-loop feedback system ensures polling frequency optimizes data freshness while preventing server overload.
2Productivity
If multiple clients poll the server at high frequencies to improve system monitoring, then more detailed system state information is obtained, but the server becomes overwhelmed and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having clients poll at different frequencies based on their specific needs and the current server load conditions. Rather than all clients polling at maximum frequency, the system allows each client to poll at an appropriate rate, achieving sufficient monitoring capability without overwhelming the server with excessive redundant requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and frequency of polling clients based on server capacity. When server load is high, fewer clients poll or poll less frequently; when capacity is available, more clients can poll more frequently. This dynamic coordination allows the system to maintain high monitoring productivity while preventing server failure.
3Loss of time
If the client sends requests at a fixed high frequency to ensure timely data updates, then data freshness is improved, but the server may lag or fail to respond within acceptable timeframes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polling with variable periods rather than fixed high-frequency polling. The polling interval is adjusted dynamically based on server response performance, creating a periodic action that adapts its frequency. This ensures data is updated frequently enough to maintain freshness while allowing the server sufficient time to respond reliably to each request.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of conducting a network stress test includes providing a first client in communication with a first server via a client-server relationship. The method also includes setting a first frequency as a set frequency. The method further includes sending a first request from the first client to the first server at the set frequency. Additionally, the method includes sending a first response from the first server to the first client. The method also includes measuring a first elapsed time between the first request and the first response, and comparing the first elapsed time to a communication threshold.