Lightweight Bandwidth Estimation Using Offset Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandwidth estimation methods in communication networks consume significant bandwidth and are costly, limiting their use and feasibility for frequent monitoring due to the need for large data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight bandwidth estimation system that estimates communication link bandwidth using small data packets, including synchronization and test packets, allowing for minimal bandwidth consumption and frequent monitoring without dedicated data packets, utilizing a bandwidth estimation system with modules for data packet generation, pattern determination, offset calculation, and bandwidth calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bandwidth estimation methods are used, then bandwidth estimation accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only a small subset of data packets (synchronization packets and test packets) rather than analyzing all network traffic. This selective approach enables bandwidth estimation with minimal bandwidth consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy for network monitoring purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts specific synchronization packets and test packets from the overall network traffic stream for bandwidth estimation analysis. By isolating and analyzing only these particular packets rather than all traffic, the system achieves accurate bandwidth measurement with significantly reduced bandwidth consumption
2Productivity
If conventional bandwidth estimation methods are used, then bandwidth estimation is achieved, but monitoring frequency is limited due to high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic bandwidth estimation by regularly transmitting synchronization packets and test packets at defined intervals. This periodic approach enables frequent network monitoring without continuous high bandwidth consumption, as the estimation occurs at discrete time points rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
By using only minimal data packets for estimation purposes rather than continuous full-bandwidth monitoring, the system enables frequent periodic monitoring events. Each monitoring event uses partial action with small packet sets, allowing high monitoring frequency while keeping overall bandwidth consumption low
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a bandwidth characteristic of a communication link between a transmitter node and receiver node includes (1) receiving, from the receiver node, a plurality of synchronization data packets sent by the transmitter node via the communication link, (2) estimating an offset time representing a time required for each synchronization data packet to traverse the communication link, (3) receiving, from the receiver node, a plurality of test data packets sent by the transmitter node via the communication link, and (4) estimating the bandwidth characteristic of the communication link at least partially based on the offset time and characteristics of one or more of the plurality of synchronization data packets and one or more of the plurality of test data packets.