Ethernet Frame Loss Ratio Measurement via Counter Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frame loss ratio measurement methods in Ethernet networks are inaccurate when protocol frames are lost during transmission, as they rely on reliable frame transmission, which is not guaranteed in Ethernet links.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that acquire and compare frame numbers from current and previous measurement reply frames to determine if a protocol frame is lost, adjusting the frame loss ratio calculation accordingly, using formulas to calculate far-end and near-end frame loss ratios based on sent and received frame counters and the frame sending interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If protocol frames are transmitted over Ethernet link for frame loss ratio measurement, then frame loss ratio measurement can be performed, but transmission reliability cannot be guaranteed causing measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe loss ratio measurement accuracyVSAvoidprotocol frame transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving ends send measurement reply frames containing counter values back to transmitting ends. The transmitting ends compare received counter values with local counter values to detect frame losses and adjust measurements accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that compensates for transmission unreliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from relying on frame transmission reliability to using counter value differences and frame number sequences. By measuring the difference between transmitted and received counter values, and tracking frame number continuity, the system accurately determines frame loss ratios without requiring reliable protocol frame transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If frame loss ratio measurement is performed using existing methods, then measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when protocol frames are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidframe loss ratio measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having transmitting ends pre-increment frame numbers for each measurement frame before transmission. The receiving ends similarly pre-increment frame numbers for reply frames. This preliminary numbering allows both ends to detect frame losses by comparing frame number sequences, maintaining measurement simplicity while improving accuracy under frame loss conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2712120B1Method and system for measuring frame loss ratio
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 ZTE CORP
  • EP2712120B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2712120B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2712120B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for measuring a frame loss ratio. The method includes: a first end acquiring a frame number of a received current measurement reply frame and a frame number of a received previous measurement reply frame, wherein the current measurement reply frame and the previous measurement reply frame are sent by a second end in response to a frame loss ratio measurement message frame sent by the first end; the first end judging whether the difference between the frame number of the current measurement reply frame and the frame number of the previous measurement reply frame is 1; if the difference is 1, the first end calculating the frame loss ratio according to count information carried in the current measurement reply frame and the previous measurement reply frame; and if the difference is greater than 1, the first end calculating the frame loss ratio according to the count information carried in the current measurement reply frame and the previous measurement reply frame and the difference. The present invention solves the problem in the prior art that frame loss ratio measurement is inaccurate in the case that a protocol frame is lost, thereby achieving the technical effect of accurately measuring the frame loss ratio.