Ethernet Frame Train Bandwidth Measurement for RF Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately measure available bandwidth in radio frequency (RF) transmission links, which can change rapidly due to environmental conditions and adaptive modulation techniques, and cannot account for varying frame lengths, leading to unreliable bandwidth representation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transmit a train of Ethernet frames over the RF link, measure the time taken to receive the frames, and estimate available bandwidth by dividing the number of bits transmitted by the time difference between the leading and final frames, allowing for real-time measurement and consideration of frame length variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing bandwidth measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to account for varying frame lengths and rapid bandwidth changes
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into discrete frames transmitted in a train, with each frame individually timestamped. This allows the system to measure bandwidth by analyzing the time difference between individual frame transmissions and receptions, rather than relying on single-point measurements. The segmentation enables accurate capture of bandwidth variations over time while maintaining a relatively simple implementation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing the transmitting and receiving clocks and pre-establishing the frame train structure with known frame lengths. This preliminary preparation ensures that when actual measurement occurs, the system can directly calculate bandwidth using the pre-synchronized time references, improving accuracy without adding complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If single bandwidth measurement is performed, then measurement speed is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to rapid bandwidth changes in RF links
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by continuously transmitting frames in a train and continuously measuring the time differences between transmission and reception. This continuous measurement process captures rapid bandwidth changes in RF links, improving reliability by providing multiple data points that represent the actual bandwidth behavior over time, rather than relying on intermittent single measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system employs periodic action by transmitting frames at regular intervals in a train structure and periodically calculating bandwidth based on the accumulated frame data. This periodic measurement approach allows the system to capture bandwidth variations over time while maintaining a balanced measurement rate that does not excessively consume time or resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frame length is used, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates in accounting for varying throughput requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by allowing frame lengths to vary within the train while maintaining the ability to track and measure each frame's individual characteristics. The transmitting and receiving equipment dynamically adjust to different frame lengths by using timestamping and time difference calculations that are independent of fixed frame size, enabling adaptability to varying throughput requirements without requiring complex frame restructuring mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring available bandwidth of a radio frequency (RF) transmission link, said method comprising transmitting a train comprising a plurality of frames of the transmission link, receiving the train, measuring the time taken to receive the train, and estimating the available bandwidth by dividing the number of bits transmitted by the difference between the receiving time of the leading frame in the train and the receiving time of the last frame in the train.