Communication Link Performance Measurement Without Remote Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring communication link performance require testing software applications on both ends of the link, which is not feasible in many scenarios, especially when one device cannot install software, leading to inaccurate or incomplete performance assessments due to intrusive active probing and limitations of passive probing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use active probing by sending special packets from a device with testing software to another device without software, combining with passive operational data to accurately measure performance without interrupting user traffic, using operational counters and ACK signals to calculate throughput, even when the receiving device lacks application-layer software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing software applications are installed on both communication devices to measure performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where only one device needs testing software, and that device acts as a mediator to measure performance of the other device without requiring software installation on it. The testing software on one device sends test data through the communication link and analyzes the returned data to determine performance metrics of the remote device.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing software is designed to be universal, capable of measuring performance of any communication device without requiring device-specific software. The same testing application can measure performance across different device types (smartphones, tablets, computers, IoT devices) by leveraging their inherent communication capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If active probing is used to measure performance, then measurement precision is improved, but user traffic is interrupted causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sending test data at specific intervals rather than continuously. The testing software can configure the frequency and timing of test data transmissions, allowing performance measurement while minimizing impact on user traffic. This periodic approach enables accurate measurement without constant interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using minimal test data transmissions necessary for performance measurement rather than continuous probing. The testing software sends just enough test data to accurately measure performance metrics while keeping the probing intensity low enough to avoid significant user traffic interruption.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If passive probing is used to avoid interrupting user traffic, then harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to initiate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines intermediary approach with passive probing by having one device act as an intermediary that initiates test data transmissions while the other device passively responds using its normal communication stack. This allows the initiating device to control the measurement process actively while the remote device remains passive, avoiding the need for software installation on it.
4Adaptability or versatility
If testing software is installed on both devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary model where a single testing software instance on one device measures performance of multiple remote devices without requiring software installation on each remote device. This significantly reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to measure various device types and communication scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are embodiments of a method for performance measurement of a communication device. The method comprises: executing active probing by a communication device coupled to another communication device via a network forming a communication link; reading operational data associated with the communication link in response to executing active probing; and measuring performance, by the communication device, of the communication link with reference to the communication link, the performance measured according to the read operational data.