Latency Detection in Wide Area Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting latency in communication networks require the installation of agents at both endpoints of data transmission, which is costly and limited to identifying issues with singular transactions, failing to predict network issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor connectivity and detect traffic patterns by processing queries from subscriber electronic devices, determining processing times and total times for message transmission, and assessing latency in the communication network, with the option to select an alternate route for message transmission if latency exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If agents are installed at both endpoints of data transmission to detect latency, then latency detection capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latency detection function from the endpoint devices and consolidates it into a centralized server. The server receives query messages from subscriber devices and sends test messages through the network, measuring latency centrally without requiring complex agent installations at multiple endpoints. This reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between subscriber devices and the network. The server acts as a central coordinator that sends test messages, receives acknowledgments, and calculates latency, eliminating the need for complex agent-based solutions at endpoint devices. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If agents are installed at both endpoints to detect latency, then transaction-level latency identification is possible, but predictive capability for network issues is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary latency measurements by continuously sending test messages through the network before actual data transmission occurs. By proactively measuring latency across multiple transactions and analyzing trends, the system can predict potential network issues before they affect real communications, maintaining both measurement precision and predictive capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where latency measurements from multiple transactions are collected, analyzed, and used to generate alerts or predictions about network conditions. The system continuously monitors latency patterns and provides feedback about potential issues, enabling proactive network management while maintaining accurate transaction-level measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the system monitors latency for each individual query, then detailed latency data is obtained, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple latency measurement operations into a single centralized processing flow. Instead of each query independently measuring and recording latency, the system consolidates latency calculation into the central server's message handling process. This combines measurement overhead into existing message processing, reducing additional time loss while maintaining detailed query-level latency data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting latency in message delivery in a communication network is disclosed. One or more data centers receives messages that are to be published via the communication network. The system receives queries from subscribers, processes the queries and transmits messages to the subscribers in response to the queries. The subscribers acknowledge the messages. The system uses its own processing time and the acknowledgement time to assess latency in message delivery. The system also may use the information to determine which data center or geographic location is experiencing relatively higher latency than other data centers or locations.