Network Jitter Source Pinpointing via Intermediate Device Latency Reporting

The patent segments the network path into multiple hops, with each intermediate device independently measuring and reporting latency for packets passing through it. This segmentation allows the central device to attribute jitter to specific hops by comparing latency measurements across different devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between wide network coverage and difficulty of jitter source isolation.

The patent introduces intermediate devices as mediators that automatically measure and report latency information. These intermediaries collect timing data from packets and forward it to a central device, which then analyzes the data to identify jitter sources. This intermediary approach enables precise jitter source isolation across wide geographies without requiring direct administrator intervention at each location.

The patent implements preliminary action by having intermediate devices continuously measure and store latency information for packets in hardware tables before the central device needs to analyze jitter. This pre-collection of timing data eliminates the need for administrators to perform multiple manual tests, as all necessary measurement data is already prepared and stored, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining high precision.

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where intermediate devices automatically report latency measurements to the central device, which then provides feedback about jitter conditions and identifies affected hops. This automated feedback loop continuously monitors network conditions and enables rapid jitter source identification without requiring repeated manual testing, thus reducing both time and complexity.