Meta-Command Embedding in Network Packets for QoE Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring Quality of Experience (QoE) in IP networks are inadequate, as they fail to accurately assess user experience across various activities and do not provide realistic emulation of user behavior, leading to inefficient testing of edge devices and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for establishing QoE scores using a combination of objective and subjective metrics, including network characteristics and user feedback, with the ability to embed meta-commands in normal network packets for synchronized testing of edge devices, allowing for realistic emulation of user behavior and improved network performance assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional QoE measurement methods are used, then implementation is simple, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds meta-commands within existing network packets, creating a nested structure where control information is contained inside data packets. This allows the testing system to function within the existing network infrastructure without requiring separate dedicated testing channels, thus improving measurement precision while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces meta-commands as an intermediary layer between traditional network protocols and QoE measurement systems. These meta-commands enable sophisticated measurement capabilities by embedding control instructions within standard packet formats, acting as a mediator that bridges simple packet structures with complex measurement requirements.
2Reliability
If synchronized testing of edge devices is implemented, then testing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts synchronization control functionality from the edge devices themselves and places it within the test packets. By embedding meta-commands that carry synchronization instructions directly in the network traffic, the system achieves coordinated testing without requiring edge devices to implement complex synchronization protocols or maintain additional state.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system uses the network packets themselves to carry the synchronization information needed for coordinated testing. Edge devices respond to embedded meta-commands within the packets they receive, enabling self-synchronized operation without requiring external coordination infrastructure or complex device-side synchronization logic.
3Measurement precision
If realistic user behavior emulation is implemented, then QoE assessment accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses behavior profile parameters embedded in meta-commands to dynamically control emulation characteristics. By encoding user behavior patterns as configurable parameters within packet structures, the system can switch between different emulation scenarios without requiring fundamentally different system architectures, thus improving emulation accuracy while managing complexity through parameterization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing different components of a computer network system using meta-commands embedded in normal network packets. The data communication channel between different components of a computer network system can be used to transport meta-commands piggybacked in normal network packets, without modifying or compromising the validity of the protocol message. Embodiments of the method can be used for embedding test synchronization and control commands into the network packets sent through a device or system under test. The device or system under test can be an edge device, with the data communication channel carrying normal packets containing meta-commands embedded in the packets to synchronize the test control of the test clients and the test servers connected to the edge device.