IP Packet Timing Using Router Hop Timestamps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing IP data packet transmission, the source device cannot determine the exact time at which the packet will arrive at the destination device due to the unknown transmission path and processing times at each router.
Innovation Solution
The source device determines the router identifiers and corresponding times for each router in the transmission path, incorporating this information into the IP data packet to accurately control the arrival time at the destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IP data packet is transmitted through multiple routers using standard IP routing, then the packet can reach the destination device, but the source device cannot determine the exact arrival time at the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing intermediary mechanism where each router acts as a mediator that records its forwarding time and passes this information to the next router. The timing information is embedded in the packet header, creating a chain of time records that ultimately allows the source device to calculate the total transmission time by comparing the final arrival time with the initial send time.
2Ease of operation
If the transmission path and processing time on each router are unknown, then the network maintains routing flexibility and simplicity, but the source device cannot control or predict packet arrival time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where timing information flows back to the source device through the packet itself. Each router records its forwarding time in the packet header, and this timing feedback accumulates along the transmission path, allowing the source device to measure and control the total transmission time without restricting router routing decisions.
3Reliability
If standard IP routing is used without timing information, then network infrastructure remains simple, but quality of service requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing measurement function into discrete components recorded at each router hop. Instead of requiring a complex end-to-end timing mechanism, the total transmission time is segmented into individual router forwarding time intervals, each recorded separately in the packet header. This segmentation allows quality of service measurement while keeping each router's implementation relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A data packet transmission method, performed by a first device, includes: determining an Internet Protocol (IP) data packet. The IP data packet comprises a router identifier of a router for transmitting the IP data packet, and a first time corresponding to the router identifier. The first time is time when the router sends the IP data packet.