Local Clock Model for Timestamp Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network traffic measurements, such as one-way latency, are hindered by clock synchronization issues between nodes with varying precision, leading to inaccurate timestamp-based measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for modeling a clock by receiving packets from a second node, extracting timestamps, and generating clock-related information to create a local clock model that adjusts for precision differences between nodes, enabling more precise traffic-related measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nodes use local clocks with varying precision for timestamping packets, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately measure one-way latency and jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a monitoring module as an intermediary that collects timestamps from multiple packets, generates clock information, and creates a local clock model. This mediator enables precise measurement by bridging the gap between nodes with different clock precisions without requiring direct clock synchronization between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring module creates a local clock model that replicates the characteristics of the remote clock based on observed timestamps. This copy allows the monitoring node to simulate and compensate for the remote clock's behavior, enabling accurate one-way latency measurement without direct access to the remote clock.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nodes with different clock precisions exchange timestamps, then adaptability is improved by allowing measurements between heterogeneous nodes, but measurement precision deteriorates due to precision mismatch between clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring module analyzes multiple timestamps and dynamically adjusts parameters in the local clock model (such as offset and scaling factors) to compensate for precision differences between clocks. By changing these model parameters based on observed timestamp patterns, the system maintains measurement accuracy across heterogeneous node configurations.
3Measurement precision
If all packets are sent to a single entity for measurement, then measurement precision is improved by centralizing timestamp analysis, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to additional packet routing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each monitoring node independently performs timestamp analysis and generates its own local clock model without requiring packets to be routed to a centralized measurement entity. This self-service approach eliminates additional packet routing time while maintaining measurement precision through distributed clock modeling.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for modeling a clock are disclosed. According to one exemplary method, the method occurs at a monitoring module associated with a first node. The method includes receiving packets from a second node, extracting timestamps from at least two of the packets, and generating, using the timestamps, clock related information for generating a local clock model indicative of a precision of a local clock at the first node relative to a clock at the second node.