Downstream Path Congestion Measurement Using Inflation Factor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining downstream path congestion are vulnerable to manipulation by upstream networks, which can distort the integrity of congestion measurements for their advantage, leading to inaccurate assessment of congestion levels.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates downstream path congestion by using an inflation factor based on the proportion of data units with initial state indications, independent of the number of 'Cancelled' packets, ensuring the measurement is robust against manipulation by upstream networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional congestion measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement integrity is compromised due to upstream network manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where the downstream network sends test packets with embedded congestion indicators through the upstream network, and these indicators are verified upon return. This intermediary process acts as a mediator to detect and prevent manipulation, ensuring measurement integrity without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where congestion measurements are continuously monitored and verified. The downstream network receives feedback from upstream networks about actual congestion conditions, and this feedback is used to adjust and validate measurement accuracy. The feedback mechanism includes detecting discrepancies between reported and actual congestion levels, triggering verification procedures when manipulation is suspected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If upstream networks are allowed to manipulate congestion metrics, then their control over traffic management is enhanced, but the reliability of congestion measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing verification mechanisms before congestion measurements are finalized and acted upon. The system proactively checks for manipulation attempts by comparing multiple measurement sources and verifying congestion indicators through return packets. This preliminary detection and counteraction prevents manipulated measurements from affecting traffic management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by embedding verification data and congestion indicators in packets before they traverse the network. These preliminary markings allow downstream networks to verify upstream congestion claims without requiring real-time interaction. The preliminary setup includes adding authentication data and expected congestion patterns that can be validated upon packet return.
3Measurement precision
If verification mechanisms are added to detect manipulation, then measurement integrity is improved, but the processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges verification processes with existing packet transmission and routing operations. Instead of separate verification steps, the congestion indicators and authentication data are combined with regular data packets, allowing verification to occur during normal packet processing. This merging eliminates additional processing time by utilizing existing packet handling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial verification by focusing checks only on critical congestion indicators rather than verifying every packet parameter. The system performs selective verification on key fields such as congestion markers and authentication data, while accepting other packet parameters at face value. This partial action approach maintains measurement accuracy for critical parameters while minimizing overall processing overhead.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining measures indicative of downstream path congestion in respect of a node via which a plurality of data units are traversing an end-to-end path from a sender to a receiver, each data unit having a first indication settable in dependence on information from the receiver to each of at least two states whereby to indicate different levels of congestion experienced on the end-to-end path by data units previously received by the receiver; and a second indication settable to an initial state and to at least one updated state indicative of congestion experienced by data units on their path from the sender to said node; the method comprising receiving a plurality of said data units at said node, and determining said downstream path congestion measure in dependence on an inflation factor itself dependent on the proportion of a set of said data units whose second indication on receipt at said node is in said initial state.