Congestion-Control Bandwidth Benchmarking With Minimal Data Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandwidth measurement methods consume significant data and are inefficient, particularly for high-bandwidth connections like 5G, leading to excessive data usage and high costs for users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for benchmarking data connections using a congestion control algorithm that adjusts the congestion window to determine bandwidth based on feedback, allowing for accurate measurement with minimal data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional speed tests use large data transfers to saturate the connection, then bandwidth measurement accuracy is improved, but data consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sending device receives acknowledgments from the receiving device about packet delivery status. This feedback loop allows the sending device to adjust the congestion window dynamically, determining bandwidth accurately without requiring excessive data transmission. The feedback enables the system to converge on the true bandwidth value with minimal data usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic congestion window adjustment during the bandwidth measurement process. Instead of using a fixed large data transfer, the congestion window is dynamically increased based on feedback received, allowing the system to adaptively find the saturation point. This dynamic approach reduces the total data transmitted while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If large amounts of data are transmitted during bandwidth testing, then connection saturation is achieved for accurate measurement, but test time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing the congestion control mechanism and feedback loops before initiating full bandwidth measurement. The system prepares the measurement framework in advance, allowing for faster convergence during the actual test. This preliminary setup enables the system to reach accurate bandwidth measurements more quickly without requiring prolonged data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic congestion window adjustments and feedback intervals during the measurement process. Instead of continuous large-scale data transmission, the system periodically adjusts the congestion window based on received feedback, efficiently converging on the bandwidth value. This periodic approach reduces overall test time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If congestion window is increased to measure high bandwidth connections, then measurement capability is improved, but network congestion and packet loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from packet delivery status to control congestion window increases. When packet loss or delivery issues are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers congestion window reduction, preventing excessive network congestion. This feedback-controlled approach allows the system to safely probe for high bandwidth capabilities while maintaining packet delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the congestion window parameter based on network conditions and feedback received. Rather than using a fixed large congestion window that could cause packet loss, the system adjusts this parameter adaptively, increasing it when conditions permit and reducing it when packet loss occurs. This parameter change strategy enables high bandwidth measurement capability while preserving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for benchmarking a data connection based on congestion control. In one embodiment, a request is received by a first device to perform a performance test of a first data connection between the first device and a second device. The first device transmits, via the first data connection and to the second device, test data according to a congestion window. The first device receives feedback based on at least a portion of the transmitted test data, and determines a bandwidth or data transfer rate of the first data connection based on the feedback and on the congestion window. The first device transmits, over a second data connection, the bandwidth or data transfer rate to the second device for presentation by the device.