Host-Based Throughput Measurement via ICMP Checksum Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining data throughput in wireless mesh networks require a separate server with throughput measurement software, making it difficult to measure throughput between hosts without access to the remote host and are complex due to environmental conditions like interference and fading.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a host intentionally corrupting ICMP or ping packets by manipulating their checksums while maintaining a proper CRC, allowing the host to estimate throughput without a separate server by sending corrupted and non-corrupted packets and counting responses to calculate data transmission times and packet reception rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate server with throughput measurement software is used to measure throughput, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables hosts to perform throughput measurements autonomously using built-in ICMP echo functionality. Each host can send echo requests and process responses independently without requiring external server assistance, thereby simplifying network configuration while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ICMP echo requests and responses as intermediary mechanisms to measure throughput. These standardized protocol messages serve as mediators between hosts, enabling throughput measurement without requiring complex server software or specialized measurement tools
2Measurement precision
If a separate server with throughput measurement software is deployed, then throughput measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system operates autonomously at each host using standard ICMP functionality. No remote server access or special software configuration is needed - each host independently performs measurements by sending and receiving echo requests, eliminating operational barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal ICMP echo protocol that is already implemented in standard operating systems. This multi-functional approach allows any host with basic network connectivity to perform throughput measurements without requiring specialized server software or unique configuration
3Reliability
If standard ICMP packets are used without corruption, then packet delivery is reliable, but throughput estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies ICMP packet parameters including size, interval, and corruption patterns to measure different aspects of throughput. By changing these parameters and observing response patterns, the system achieves accurate throughput estimation while maintaining reliable measurement methodology
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ICMP echo responses as feedback to calculate throughput metrics. By analyzing the timing and success rate of echo responses, the system continuously refines throughput estimates without compromising the reliability of the underlying ICMP packet delivery mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of determining throughput between a first host and a second host of at least one network is disclosed. The method includes the first host intentionally corrupting ICMP packets by manipulating a checksum of the ICMP packets. The first host sends the corrupted ICMP packets to the second host through the at least one network. The first host additionally sends non-corrupted ICMP packets to the second host. Based on responses from second host to the ICMP packets, the first host estimates a throughput between the first host and the second host. The throughput includes a first direction throughput from the first host to the second host, a second direction throughput from the second host to the first host, and a round trip throughput between the first host and the second host.