Internet Path Prediction via AS-Level Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately predict internet traffic paths and characteristics between two endpoints without knowledge of actual router-level paths, limiting users' ability to manage and optimize internet connectivity effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves modeling connectivity between endpoints at the autonomous system (AS) level, identifying feasible paths, and estimating performance characteristics such as delay, jitter, and reliability, allowing for the ranking and rating of potential paths across the internet, even without explicit router-level data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If router-level path data is used to estimate traffic characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to access arbitrary Internet points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that collects and processes BGP routing data and traceroute measurements from multiple sources. This intermediary infrastructure enables path prediction between arbitrary Internet points without requiring direct access to those points, resolving the contradiction by mediating between the need for precise measurements and the limitation of access rights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting BGP routing data and traceroute measurements, and pre-computing path predictions and traffic characteristics. This allows users to obtain accurate traffic characteristic estimates without needing to perform actual measurements at the time of use, eliminating the need for direct access to Internet points while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If actual router-level paths are provided, then path prediction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for detailed routing data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that processes multiple types of data (BGP routing data, traceroute measurements, path predictions, traffic characteristics) through a unified architecture. This multi-functional system handles diverse data types and operations, reducing the need for separate specialized infrastructure for each function and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high path prediction accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If AS-level path modeling is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to router-level path knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Internet routing hierarchy into different levels (AS-level and router-level) and applies appropriate modeling techniques to each level. AS-level modeling provides high-level path predictions and traffic characteristics that are easy to obtain and interpret, while router-level details can be added when needed. This segmentation allows the system to provide accurate predictions at appropriate levels of detail without requiring full router-level complexity for all operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Internet data such as Border Gateway Protocol routing information and traceroute measurements are processed to create realistic predictive models of the paths IP traffic is likely to take between any two points on the Internet, even when direct measurements of the paths is not feasible. The prediction includes three categories: topology (what paths may exist), weighting (which paths are more or less likely to be taken under varying operational circumstances), and performance (latency, loss, jitter, etc. across the predicted paths).