Latency Adjustment Module for Distributed Computing Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed computing resources experience varying latency issues, which affect user experience, application functionality, and can mask network security threats, making it difficult to detect malicious attacks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring, measuring, and adjusting latency between distributed computing resources, using a latency measurement module to assess and a latency adjustment module to selectively impair packet transmission, ensuring deterministic latency for performance and security goals, and employing an attack detection module to identify potential threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latency measurement and adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then user experience consistency and application functionality are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a latency adjustment module as an intermediary component that sits between the network interface and the application layer. This module measures latency to distributed computing resources and selectively impairs packet transmission to equalize latency across multiple sites. By placing this intermediary layer, the system achieves reliable user experience consistency without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying network infrastructure or application logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the latency adjustment module continuously monitors latency measurements from multiple distributed computing resources and dynamically adjusts packet transmission impairment in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for latency variations, ensuring consistent user experience while managing complexity through automated control rather than manual configuration.
2Reliability
If deterministic latency is enforced through selective packet impairment, then application synchronization is improved, but network throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective packet impairment only to specific packets destined for or returning from distributed computing resources where latency equalization is needed. Rather than uniformly degrading all network traffic, the system identifies and adjusts only the relevant packets, thereby maintaining application synchronization while minimizing the impact on overall network throughput. This localized application of latency adjustment preserves productivity in non-critical paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If natural latency variation is allowed to remain non-deterministic, then network flexibility is maintained, but security threat detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a baseline of expected latency characteristics for normal network operations before security threats occur. The latency adjustment module learns and stores the normal latency patterns to distributed computing resources in advance. When packets are intercepted, modified, and retransmitted by attackers, the deviation from the pre-established baseline becomes detectable, enabling security threat detection while maintaining network flexibility for legitimate traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for monitoring, adjusting, and utilizing latency associated with accessing distributed computing resources are disclosed. One method includes measuring a first latency associated with accessing a first computing resource located at a first site. The method further includes the measuring a second latency associated with accessing a second computing resource located at a second site different from the first site. The method further includes selectively impairing transmission of packets to or processing of packets by at least one of the first and second computing resources in accordance with a performance, network security, or diagnostic goal.