Ethernet OAM Traffic Hit Measurement During Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring traffic hit time during Ethernet protection switching require interrupting network services and using external test instruments, which is not feasible in live network environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Ethernet OAM tool on network endpoints to monitor user data traffic and send OAM frames with continuous sequence numbers to measure traffic hit time during path switches by detecting start and stop times based on sequence numbers and timestamps, enabling in-service measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline test method using external test instrument is used, then measurement capability is achieved, but service interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network device itself to perform traffic hit time measurement through built-in OAM functionality, eliminating the need for external test instruments. The measurement is achieved by the device monitoring its own traffic flow and switching operations, thereby maintaining service continuity while enabling measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces OAM (Operation, Administration and Maintenance) frames as an intermediary mechanism to enable measurement without direct intervention from external test instruments. These frames carry sequence numbers and timestamps that allow the device to measure traffic hit time indirectly through its own operational data, avoiding service interruption.
2Measurement precision
If external test instrument is used to measure traffic hit time, then measurement function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device is equipped with built-in OAM measurement functionality that enables it to perform traffic hit time measurement independently. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external test instruments and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The OAM measurement function is integrated into the standard network device operations, allowing the same device to perform both network traffic handling and measurement functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If offline measurement method is used, then accurate traffic hit time can be obtained, but it cannot be applied in live network environments
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-measurement using its own operational data during live network operations. By monitoring its own traffic flow and switching operations through built-in OAM functionality, the device achieves accurate traffic hit time measurement without requiring offline testing, thereby enabling in-service measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from external active testing to internal passive monitoring by utilizing OAM frame parameters (sequence numbers and timestamps) that are already present in the traffic flow. This parameter-based measurement enables accurate traffic hit time measurement in live network environments without disrupting normal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer-readable media for measuring traffic hit time during path switch. The method performed at a first device includes: sending, to a second device, operation administration and maintenance (OAM) frames with continuous sequence numbers; receiving from the second device response OAM frames; determining traffic hit start time and traffic hit stop time based on the received OAM frames; detecting an occurrence of the path switch, and determining that the path switch is completed before the traffic hit stop time; and in response to determining that the path switch is completed before the traffic hit stop time, calculating traffic hit time based at least on the traffic hit start time and the traffic hit stop time.