In-Line Network Tester for Packet Flow Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network test systems are limited in their ability to accurately identify and manipulate specific packet flows within telecommunications networks, struggle with scalability, and often interfere with the network performance they aim to measure, making it difficult to diagnose issues and test new packet structures without impacting other network characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A network in-line tester that connects into the normal communications channel, allowing all data packets to flow through it, enabling identification, labeling, and manipulation of selected packet flows to simulate real-world effects, record characteristics for replay, and manage multiple flows efficiently, while minimizing storage requirements and maintaining network integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If packet blaster systems generate and receive large numbers of data flows on multiple interfaces, then the ability to stress test the system under test is improved, but the systems cannot debug or identify the cause of QoS issues when problems occur at the centre of the SUT
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network in-line tester as an intermediary device positioned within the communications channel of the SUT. This tester can identify, label, and manipulate specific packet flows while allowing other flows to pass through unchanged. The intermediary enables precise control and observation of individual flows or groups of flows, allowing debugging of QoS issues at the centre of the SUT without requiring replacement of the entire system.
2Ease of operation
If network emulators terminate and regenerate all traffic flows, then control of retransmission of flows is improved, but all input characteristics are removed by demultiplexing the signal completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different treatments for different packet flows within the same system. The network in-line tester can selectively manipulate specific flows while leaving others unchanged, preserving input characteristics for flows that don't require modification. This selective approach maintains local integrity of packet characteristics while enabling controlled manipulation where needed.
3Measurement precision
If traditional transport testers test a single connection with one transmitter and one receiver, then verification of point-to-point transmission is improved, but the capability to handle large numbers of packet flows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a network in-line tester that can perform multiple functions: it can verify point-to-point transmission accuracy while simultaneously handling large numbers of packet flows. The device combines the precision of traditional transport testers with the multi-flow capability of packet blasters, creating a universal testing solution that operates directly within the SUT's communications channel.
4Adaptability or versatility
If packet blaster systems connect at the edge of the SUT, then generation of packet flows with large selection of packet structures is improved, but the systems interfere with normal network operation and impact the performance being measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the network in-line tester as an intermediary within the normal communications channel rather than at the edge. This allows the device to generate and manipulate packet structures in-line with actual network traffic, ensuring that tested packets traverse the same path as production traffic. The intermediary approach minimizes disruption to normal network operation while maintaining the ability to generate diverse packet structures for comprehensive testing.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line tester (10) for testing a telecommunications network. The tester (10) is connectable in line in a communications channel in the network, between network elements or nodes (12), so that all packets within that channel have to flow through it.