Communication Link Bandwidth Measurement with Probe Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in accurately determining available bandwidth due to environmental factors, which can vary the actual bandwidth below the theoretical capacity, particularly in satellite or unshielded cable links, necessitating a simple and cost-effective method for precise bandwidth assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving network probes that inject flag packets with time markers and padding traffic to create congestion, allowing for the determination of consumed bandwidth by collecting timestamp and data volume information, ensuring maximum link capacity utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network probes are used to monitor traffic in communication networks, then bandwidth management can be improved, but accurate determination of available bandwidth becomes difficult due to environmental factors affecting the actual bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting flag packets before actual data traffic to establish time markers and baseline measurements. The first network probe injects flag packets into the communication link to create reference points, allowing subsequent bandwidth calculations to be based on predetermined time intervals and expected data volumes, thereby compensating for environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the arrival times of flag packets at the second network probe and comparing actual bandwidth consumption against expected values. The system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust bandwidth allocation and identify deviations caused by environmental factors, enabling real-time correction of bandwidth management decisions.
2Device complexity
If theoretical bandwidth capacity is used for network management, then simple calculations are possible, but the actual available bandwidth may be lower due to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flag packets as intermediaries between the network probes and actual data traffic. These flag packets carry timing information and serve as mediators to measure the actual bandwidth conditions without disrupting the primary data flow. The intermediaries enable indirect measurement of bandwidth availability, providing reliable data while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flag packets as simplified copies or representations of actual data traffic. Instead of measuring bandwidth based on complex real-time data flow analysis, the system creates representative flag packets that replicate the essential characteristics (timing, size) needed for bandwidth measurement, thereby simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If flag packets with time markers are injected periodically, then timestamp information can be collected for bandwidth calculation, but additional network traffic is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by injecting flag packets at controlled intervals rather than continuously. The first network probe injects flag packets periodically with sufficient frequency to capture bandwidth variations but at a reduced rate compared to full data traffic, thereby obtaining measurement precision while minimizing the additional traffic load on the communication link.
4Measurement precision
If padding traffic is injected to create congestion situations, then maximum bandwidth consumption can be determined, but network performance may be temporarily degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by injecting padding traffic in controlled bursts rather than continuously. The system periodically introduces padding traffic to create temporary congestion conditions needed for measuring maximum bandwidth capacity, then stops the padding traffic to restore normal performance. This periodic approach enables accurate bandwidth determination while limiting the duration and impact of performance degradation.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
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AI summary
A method for determining bandwidth on a communication link between a first endpoint, with which a first network probe is associated, and a second endpoint, with which a second network probe is associated, is described. Flag packets are injected (403), by the first network probe, to provide time markers. Capture timestamp information of the flag packets is collected by the second network probe, as well as measurements (405) of data volume at the output of the communication link. Padding traffic is injected (404) by the first network probe so as to create a congestion situation on the communication link during a test period. Thus, by determining what bandwidth is consumed during the test period, the bandwidth of the communication link is determined (408).