Gateway-Based Propagation Time Simulation in Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulating propagation times in a target network is challenging when the network cannot be constructed as intended, especially when not all elements are available or when monitoring changes the network characteristics, such as propagation times.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that simulate propagation times in an actual network by using a gateway with multiple network interfaces to delay messages based on the target network's topology, ensuring the propagation time in the actual network is substantially equal to that in the target network, even if the paths between senders and receivers differ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the target network is constructed as intended for testing, then the propagation times are accurate, but the network cannot be constructed when elements are unavailable or monitoring changes characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the target network topology in the actual network by using a gateway that simulates the propagation times of the target network. Instead of constructing the actual target network with all its elements, the gateway copies the essential characteristic (propagation time) by calculating delays based on the target network's topology and applying them to messages in the actual network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of propagation time in the actual network by introducing configurable delays at the gateway. The gateway calculates the required delay based on the target network's topology (path lengths, network element characteristics) and applies this delay to messages, thereby transforming the actual network's propagation time to match the target network's propagation time despite topological differences.
2Ease of operation
If monitoring is implemented to observe message exchange, then communication can be tested, but the network characteristics such as propagation times change
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that separates the monitoring function from the network path. Instead of inserting monitoring devices directly into the network path (which would alter propagation times), the gateway receives messages, calculates the appropriate delay based on the target network's topology, and forwards them. This intermediary approach enables monitoring while preserving propagation time accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a star topology with central gateway is used for monitoring, then all messages can be monitored, but the propagation times change from the target network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the topological difference by dynamically changing the propagation time parameter. The gateway calculates the delay required to match the target network's propagation time based on the specific source and destination nodes, and applies this delay to each message. This transforms the star topology's propagation characteristics to match the target network's propagation times despite the different topology.
4Ease of manufacture
If the actual network topology differs from the target network topology, then testing can proceed with available elements, but the propagation times do not match
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the target network's propagation time characteristics into the actual network through the gateway. The gateway stores information about the target network's topology and uses this information to calculate appropriate delays that replicate the target network's propagation times, thereby copying the essential timing behavior without requiring the actual target network structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the propagation time parameter in the actual network by introducing configurable delays at the gateway. The gateway calculates the required delay based on the target network's topology and the specific message path, and applies this delay to transform the actual network's propagation time to match the target network's propagation time despite topological differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in which the propagation times of a target network are simulated in an actual network, wherein the topology of the target network includes a number of senders and a number of receivers, and wherein the topology of the actual network includes one or more of the senders and receivers. A path between a first sender and a first receiver in the topology of the actual network differs from the path between the first sender and the first receiver in the topology of the target network, wherein in the actual network at least one first message of the first sender is received through a first network interface by a gateway having at least two network interfaces, is delayed by a delay, and is sent through a second network interface on a path to the first receiver.