Bandwidth Measurement via Packet Header Flagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bandwidth measurement techniques introduce additional traffic and artificial delays by using artificial test packets, and they do not produce accurate results due to the dynamic nature of bandwidth, which requires repeated testing to account for changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure bandwidth by inserting a flag into existing packet headers to indicate bandwidth measurement in progress, allowing for the calculation of bandwidth by summing payload and arrival times, without introducing additional test packets, using a protocol like Intelligent Compression Technology's (ICT) transport protocol (ITP) that provides efficient packet handling and flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If artificial test packets are transmitted to measure bandwidth, then bandwidth measurement can be performed, but additional traffic is introduced across the network link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bandwidth measurement functionality with existing data packets by inserting a flag into the packet header. This merging eliminates the need for separate artificial test packets, as measurement information is embedded within regular data transmission packets, thereby avoiding additional traffic while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The packet header is given multi-functionality by incorporating a bandwidth measurement flag alongside its existing data transmission functions. This allows the same packet structure to serve both data communication and bandwidth measurement purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need for dedicated test packets
2Measurement precision
If start test and stop test packets are transmitted to mark bandwidth testing, then measurement intervals can be defined, but additional traffic is created across the link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interval marking function into regular data packets by using the flag to indicate whether a packet marks the beginning or end of a measurement interval. This eliminates the need for separate start/stop test packets while maintaining precise interval control through the embedded flag mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the interval control functionality from dedicated control packets and embeds it within the data packet stream using a flag. This separation of the control signal from dedicated control packets reduces overall traffic volume while preserving the ability to define measurement intervals
3Measurement precision
If test packets are transmitted across the network link, then bandwidth measurement data can be collected, but artificial delays are introduced that reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines measurement data collection with normal data transmission by embedding measurement flags in existing packets. This eliminates artificial delays because the packets used for measurement are part of the regular data flow and are not subject to additional queuing or prioritization delays that would affect dedicated test packets
4Productivity
If a single test burst of packets is used for bandwidth measurement, then measurement can be completed quickly, but accurate reflection of bandwidth changes over time cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous bandwidth measurement by embedding flags in ongoing data packets rather than using discrete test bursts. This continuous measurement approach captures bandwidth variations over time while maintaining measurement speed, as the measurement process occurs naturally alongside continuous data transmission without requiring repeated separate test sessions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods of measuring bandwidth of a network connection. The method includes establishing a network connection between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal. The method further includes inserting a flag into a packet header for a packet. The flag is to indicate to the receiving terminal that a bandwidth measurement is in progress. The packet also includes a payload. The method further includes setting the flag in the packets header of the packet to true, and transmitting to the receiving terminal the packet. The method then sums arrival times of the packet and the payload for the packet, and calculates the bandwidth measurement of the network connection by dividing the summed payload value by the summed arrival times value.