Centralized Link Probe Assignment for SD-WAN QoE Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs), the current methods for determining Quality of Experience (QoE) metrics through probe packets consume excessive bandwidth and resources, especially when measuring complex paths, due to redundant probing across multiple links.
Innovation Solution
A centralized SDN controller constructs a network topology map, selects a single node to measure QoE metrics for each link, and extrapolates metrics for reverse directions and complex paths, reducing redundant probing and optimizing resource usage by distributing probing responsibilities uniformly across nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each node device transmits probe packets over every connected link to measure QoE metrics, then measurement precision is improved, but bandwidth consumption and resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probing responsibility by dividing the network into regions or zones, where only selected boundary nodes or representative nodes within each segment perform probing. This reduces the total number of probe packets while maintaining comprehensive network coverage through strategic placement of probing nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes probe packets multi-functional by designing them to carry multiple measurement objectives simultaneously. A single probe packet can measure latency, jitter, packet loss, and bandwidth utilization across multiple links, reducing the total number of probes needed while maintaining comprehensive QoE assessment.
2Measurement precision
If node devices send probe packets over complex multi-link paths to determine QoE metrics, then measurement completeness is improved, but resource consumption (CPU, memory, power) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing optimal probing paths and representative measurement points in the network. Instead of dynamically determining complex paths during operation, nodes use pre-computed routing information to efficiently select which paths to probe, reducing real-time CPU and memory consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by measuring QoE metrics on a selective subset of complex paths rather than all possible paths. By identifying and probing only the most critical or representative paths based on traffic patterns and network topology, the system achieves sufficient measurement coverage without the excessive resource cost of comprehensive probing.
3Reliability
If multiple nodes perform redundant probing on the same link, then measurement reliability is improved, but bandwidth waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges probing operations by coordinating multiple nodes to share probing responsibilities. When multiple nodes would otherwise probe the same link, the system consolidates these into a single or reduced number of probe packets, with results shared across the network through centralized collection or peer-to-peer information exchange, maintaining reliability while eliminating redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where probing results are shared back with the network controller and relevant nodes. This feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust future probing decisions, avoiding redundant measurements on already-measured links while ensuring critical paths are monitored with appropriate frequency for reliable QoE assessment.
4Productivity
If a centralized controller manages probing across all nodes, then probing optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary that simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing probing decision-making. The controller receives topology information and traffic flow data, then generates optimized probing plans that are distributed to nodes. This intermediary approach consolidates complexity in a single manageable component while simplifying individual node operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the disclosure describes techniques for measuring edge-based quality of experience (QoE) metrics. For instance, a network device may construct a topological representation of a network, including indications of nodes and links connecting the nodes within the network. For each of the links, the network device may select a node device of the two node devices connected by the respective link to measure one or more QoE metrics for the respective link, with the non-selected node device not measuring the QoE metrics. In response to selecting the selected node device, the network device may receive a set of one or more QoE metrics for the respective link for data flows flowing from the selected node device to the non-selected node device. The network device may store the QoE metrics and determine counter QoE metrics for data flows flowing from the non-selected node device to the selected node device.