Network Bandwidth Estimation via Timestamp Delay Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for estimating available network bandwidth are inefficient, requiring long times for accurate estimation and causing bandwidth waste, while also failing to provide real-time estimates of actual available bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves transmitting periodic time-stamp packets at a test transmission rate and adjusting this rate based on changes in transmission delay time differences to determine the available bandwidth within stable and error ranges, allowing for rapid and accurate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TCP/UDP packets are transmitted for a predetermined period to estimate bandwidth, then estimation accuracy is improved, but the time required for estimation increases and bandwidth is occupied for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic timestamp packets transmitted at regular intervals to estimate bandwidth. Instead of continuous packet transmission for a predetermined period, timestamp packets are sent periodically, allowing bandwidth estimation through delay analysis rather than requiring long-duration saturation transmission. This periodic approach maintains estimation accuracy while significantly reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces timestamp packets as an intermediary mechanism to measure bandwidth indirectly through delay analysis. Rather than directly measuring bandwidth through packet transmission volume, timestamp packets serve as markers to calculate round-trip delays, which are then used to derive bandwidth estimates. This intermediary approach enables faster estimation without sacrificing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If packets are transmitted at saturated bandwidth for estimation, then available bandwidth can be determined, but network bandwidth is wasted during the estimation period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits timestamp packets at a controlled rate rather than saturating the bandwidth. The transmission rate is set to probe the network without fully occupying it, using partial action to gather sufficient delay data for accurate bandwidth estimation while minimizing bandwidth waste. The timestamp packets provide enough information for measurement without excessive resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of saturating bandwidth with a more elegant delay-based measurement system. Instead of physically filling the network with packets to measure capacity, the system uses timestamp analysis and delay calculation to infer bandwidth, substituting a less invasive measurement mechanism that avoids bandwidth waste.
3Measurement precision
If packet transmission and reception counting is performed for bandwidth estimation, then an average bandwidth value can be obtained, but real-time actual available bandwidth cannot be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary timestamp marking at the transmission end before packets traverse the network. By pre-marking packets with transmission timestamps and comparing them with reception timestamps, the system calculates round-trip delays in real-time. This preliminary action enables immediate bandwidth estimation without waiting for complete transmission cycles, providing real-time actual available bandwidth information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where reception timestamps are sent back to the transmission end, allowing continuous calculation of round-trip delays. This feedback loop provides real-time information about network conditions, enabling dynamic bandwidth estimation that reflects actual available bandwidth rather than just historical averages. The feedback system updates bandwidth estimates continuously based on current network state.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for estimating an available bandwidth of a network. A plurality of periodic time-stamp packets are transmitted to a receiving-party communication apparatus, which is connected to the network, through the network at a currently-set test transmission rate, and then a changing tendency of transmission delay time differences between the time-stamp packets is checked on the basis of reception times at which the receiving-party communication apparatus have received the respective time-stamp packets. When the transmission delay time differences are located outside a stable range and show a tendency to increase, the test transmission rate is set to a decreased value and the time-stamp packets are repeatedly transmitted at the decreased rate and when the transmission delay time differences are located outside the stable range and show a tendency to decrease, the test transmission rate is set to be an increased value and the time-stamp packets are repeatedly transmitted at the increased rate. A test transmission rate is determined as the available bandwidth when the transmission delay time differences are within the stable range.