Dynamic Delay Field for End-to-End Latency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data networks using virtual links lack effective mechanisms to accurately measure and manage latency across frames in a full-duplex switched Ethernet network, particularly in avionics systems where precise delay values are crucial for reliable communication.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising nodes and a switch that inserts dynamic and static delay values into a frame's delay field based on delay rules, with the switch routing frames and updating the delay values to reflect real-time end-to-end system delay, ensuring accurate latency measurement and management across virtual links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional data networks use virtual links with multicast addresses for frame identification, then frame routing is enabled, but accurate latency measurement and management across frames is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the latency measurement process by inserting delay values at multiple points in the network (at each node) rather than measuring end-to-end latency as a single value. This segmentation allows for per-frame, per-virtual-link latency tracking throughout the network path, enabling precise measurement while maintaining communication reliability through protocol compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting delay values into frames before they traverse the network. Nodes pre-calculate and insert expected delay values based on virtual link characteristics, allowing latency to be measured and managed proactively rather than reactively, which improves both measurement precision and communication reliability.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic delay values are inserted into frames on a per-virtual link basis, then real-time latency measurement is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the delay field universal by designing it to accommodate multiple functions: it stores delay values for latency measurement, identifies virtual links through multicast addresses, and provides timing information for protocol compliance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems, thereby managing system complexity while achieving real-time latency measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay field acts as an intermediary element that carries latency information through the network without requiring complex measurement infrastructure. By embedding delay values directly in frames, the system uses the existing frame structure as a mediator for latency measurement, avoiding the need for separate measurement devices or protocols.
3Measurement precision
If nodes store received frames in buffers and update delay values to reflect end-to-end system delay, then accurate end-to-end latency is captured, but processing time and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having nodes automatically update delay values in buffered frames without requiring external measurement systems. Each node independently calculates its contribution to end-to-end latency and updates the delay field accordingly, eliminating the need for centralized measurement infrastructure and reducing overall processing time while maintaining end-to-end latency accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprises a plurality of nodes, at least one of the plurality of nodes configured to insert, on a per-virtual link basis, a delay value into a dynamic delay field of a frame corresponding to the respective virtual link, wherein the dynamic delay value represents latency of frames of the respective virtual link. The system also comprises a switch having a plurality of ports, each port coupled to one of the plurality of nodes. The switch is configured to route frames received from the plurality of nodes to one or more of the plurality of nodes. At least one of the plurality of nodes is configured to store frames received from the switch in a buffer and to update the value in the dynamic delay field to reflect the end-to-end system delay.