Network Counter Reset via Performance Information Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony systems over packet networks face challenges in managing call quality and bandwidth due to the lack of connection path state awareness, leading to issues like congestion, jitter, and packet loss, which are difficult to diagnose and mitigate, especially in converged networks with varying bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Performance Information Packets (PIP packets) that provide real-time network performance information, allowing for the determination of transmission rates, quality, and connectivity, enabling more intelligent call management and network resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If counters are used to count network performance information at network communications devices, then network performance monitoring capability is improved, but counters may overflow and lose accuracy over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by resetting counters before they overflow. The system periodically reads counter values from network communications devices and resets them to zero, preventing overflow conditions. This proactive approach ensures continuous accurate measurement of network performance parameters like packet loss, jitter, and bandwidth utilization without losing data due to counter wraparound.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where counter values are read, analyzed, and used to trigger resets. The system continuously monitors counter values and initiates reset operations based on predetermined thresholds or time intervals, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains counter accuracy and provides ongoing network performance feedback.
2Reliability
If real-time network performance monitoring is implemented, then call quality management is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Performance Information Packets (PIP packets) as intermediaries to carry network performance data between network communications devices and monitoring systems. These standardized packets simplify data exchange by encapsulating counter values, timestamps, and performance metrics in a uniform format, reducing the complexity of direct device-to-device communication and integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal counter management approach that can monitor multiple network performance parameters (packet loss, jitter, bandwidth, connectivity) using the same infrastructure. The counter reading and reset mechanism works across different device types and network segments, providing multi-functional monitoring capability without requiring separate systems for each parameter.
3Duration of action of moving object
If counters count network performance information over extended periods, then measurement duration is improved, but counters will overflow and lose tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by resetting counters at regular intervals rather than allowing them to run indefinitely. The system implements scheduled counter reads and resets based on predetermined time periods or threshold values, ensuring that counters remain within their accurate measurement range while providing continuous long-term monitoring through systematic periodic renewal of counter cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for collecting network performance information from network communications devices may include requesting, from a network communications device operating on a packet network, a counter value generated from counting a network performance information parameter. The request may cause the counter value to be reset prior to overflowing.