Latency Control System for Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network administrators face challenges in testing network devices over long distances due to the limitations and costs of physical communication media, such as optical fiber spools, which are often unavailable or expensive, leading to increased travel and assembly time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A latency control system that simulates network latency using a circular buffer or FIFO queue, allowing for dynamic adjustment of latency to mimic the effects of different communication media lengths without the need for physical cables, ensuring protocol compliance and reducing testing costs and travel time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical communication media (optical fiber spools) are used to test network devices at different distances, then realistic latency conditions are achieved, but costs and availability deteriorate due to limited supply and high prices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical communication medium's latency characteristic using software simulation. Instead of using actual optical fiber spools, the system implements a latency simulation module that replicates the time-delay effects of various distance scenarios through software-controlled delays, making the physical medium unnecessary while preserving its functional characteristics for testing purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the latency parameter through software control rather than physically changing cable lengths. The latency simulation module can modify delay values programmatically to represent different communication distances, allowing flexible parameter adjustment without requiring physical medium changes
2Reliability
If physical communication media are used to test network devices at different distances, then realistic latency conditions are achieved, but device complexity and setup time worsen due to assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of assembling actual fiber optic cables with a software-based latency simulation system. The physical assembly of spools and connectors is substituted by software-controlled delay mechanisms that replicate the same functional effect (latency) without requiring any physical medium assembly or handling
3Reliability
If network administrators travel to different locations to test devices, then proper on-site testing is achieved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to travel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a latency simulation module as an intermediary between the network device under test and the testing environment. This intermediary component creates virtual distance conditions locally, eliminating the need for administrators to physically travel to remote locations while still providing realistic latency conditions for accurate testing
4Reliability
If physical communication media are used for testing, then realistic network conditions are simulated, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited flexibility in adjusting distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic latency adjustment through software control, allowing real-time modification of simulated distance conditions. The latency simulation module can be reconfigured programmatically to represent any distance scenario without requiring physical medium changes, providing flexible and dynamic testing conditions that adapt to various test requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for altering a latency of network messages. A latency control system is configured to alter the latency of one or more network messages transmitted in a network. The latency of the network messages may simulate a latency associated with a network connection. A message queue is controlled by the latency control system to implement the latency, which can be increased or decreased. The latency may be increased and/or decreased dynamically.