Latency Measurement in Communication Systems via Active Probing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication link measurement methods face challenges in accurately determining latency and connectivity diagnostics, especially when testing software applications are not available on both devices, such as between a Wi-Fi Access Point and a smartphone, due to power-management states that can introduce bias and randomness in measurements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs active probing with an agent that injects traffic to keep the communication device in a non-sleep state and measures latency, while also using operational parameters to monitor connectivity without requiring software applications on both sides, allowing for accurate latency and connectivity diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional testing software applications are used for latency measurement, then measurement can be performed between two devices with compatible software, but the method fails when software is not available on both devices (e.g., Wi-Fi AP to smartphone)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using operational parameters and active probing mechanisms that do not require software installation on the target device. The measurement system acts as an intermediary that can assess latency through available system parameters rather than requiring direct software cooperation from both endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages self-service by utilizing operational parameters that are already available from the devices themselves without requiring additional software. The devices provide their own measurement data through existing operational parameters, eliminating the need for external testing software on both ends.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power-management states are used to save energy, then device power consumption is reduced, but latency measurements become biased and random due to sleep state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting power-management states before conducting latency measurements. By identifying whether a device is in sleep or active state prior to measurement, the system can adjust its measurement approach or account for potential biases, ensuring more accurate results while respecting power-saving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor power-management state transitions during measurement periods. When sleep state transitions are detected, the system can adjust measurement timing or weight results accordingly, preventing biased measurements from corrupting the overall latency assessment while allowing power-saving modes to continue.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method and system for latency measurement in communication systems. The method comprises: determining, by a first communication device, a power-management state of a second communication device; transmitting, by the first communication device, one or more packets to the second communication device over a communication link, the one or more packets to be received by the second communication device while in the power-management state; receiving, from the second communication device over the communication link, one or more response packets in response to the one or more packets; and determining a latency of the communication link when the second communication device is in the power-management state based on the one or more packets and the one or more response packets.