Modifying Connectivity Fault Management Packets for Real-Time Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony systems over packet networks face challenges in managing network performance and diagnosing connectivity issues due to lack of real-time bandwidth information and path state awareness, leading to poor voice quality and call failures, especially in congested and dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
The system modifies connectivity fault management packets to extract and transmit additional network performance information, using performance information packets (PIP packets) to monitor transmission rates, quality, and connectivity, enabling real-time bandwidth management and call control decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional connectivity fault management packets are used, then network monitoring is simple, but real-time bandwidth information and path state awareness are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet structure into distinct functional components: inserting Ethernet protocol identifier fields, adding source and destination Ethernet address fields, and incorporating performance information fields. This segmentation allows each element to carry specific network performance data while maintaining overall packet integrity and manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by embedding multiple layers of information within the CFM packet structure. The Ethernet protocol identifier nests within the packet header, performance information fields nest within the data payload, and path state data nests within the performance information. This nested structure enables comprehensive network monitoring data to be carried within a single packet format.
2Measurement precision
If additional network performance information is extracted and transmitted, then real-time bandwidth management is improved, but packet configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal packet structure that serves multiple functions simultaneously: fault management, performance monitoring, bandwidth measurement, and path state detection. The CFM packet is designed to carry diverse network performance metrics (bandwidth utilization, packet loss, jitter, delay) within a single standardized format, eliminating the need for multiple specialized packet types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes packet parameters by modifying the Ethernet protocol identifier field to indicate CFM packet type, adding Ethernet address fields for source and destination identification, and incorporating performance information fields with specific parameters for bandwidth, packet loss, jitter, and delay measurements. These parameter changes enable precise network performance monitoring while maintaining packet structure integrity.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If connectivity fault management packets are modified to include performance information, then network diagnostics capability is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the packet structure with all necessary fields for performance monitoring before actual network traffic flows. The Ethernet protocol identifier, address fields, and performance information structures are predetermined and standardized, allowing network devices to quickly parse and process packets without dynamic configuration overhead during runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by incorporating performance information fields that continuously report network status (bandwidth utilization, packet loss rates, jitter values, delay measurements) back to network management systems. This real-time feedback enables automated detection and response to connectivity issues, reducing the need for complex manual diagnostics while maintaining efficient processing through standardized data formats.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a system, computer program product, and method for modifying communications of a communications network. For example, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for modifying communications of a communications network comprises receiving performance information packets that includes network performance information associated with the communications network, and transmitting a command to a specified access point based on the network performance information. In certain embodiments, the command instructs the specified access point to perform at least one of reconfiguring itself based on a particular set of configuration parameters, restarting itself, running diagnostic routines, increasing buffered data, refreshing a routing table, modifying a routing table, terminating a particular process or processes, and terminating all operations.