Multi-Layer Tunneling for Network Segment Performance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network monitoring techniques are unable to measure the performance of individual segments of a network path bounded by router nodes, which is crucial for cloud service providers (CSPs) managing communication networks between data centers.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing multi-layer tunneling techniques and packet header manipulation to configure router nodes as tunnel termination endpoints, enabling performance metrics like latency, packet loss, and jitter to be measured for specific network segments by controlling the path of probe packets through the communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing network monitoring techniques are used to measure end-to-end performance, then end-to-end network performance can be measured, but individual network segment performance cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the end-to-end network path into multiple individual segments bounded by router nodes. Each segment can be independently measured using probe packets with configured headers that traverse specific segments. This segmentation enables precise measurement of each network segment's performance metrics (latency, packet loss, jitter) separately, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability by allowing selective measurement of any segment or combination of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces router nodes as intermediary elements that can be configured to participate in segment performance measurements. These router nodes serve as measurement points that bound network segments and can timestamp probe packets passing through them. This intermediary mechanism enables the measurement system to capture performance data at specific segment boundaries, allowing individual segment measurement while maintaining the ability to measure any combination of segments.
2Measurement precision
If multi-layer tunneling techniques are implemented to measure individual segments, then segment performance measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes router nodes multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their traditional routing function and their new function as measurement points for segment performance monitoring. The same router node infrastructure is used for both packet forwarding and timing measurements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement devices. This universality reduces device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses the existing network infrastructure (router nodes and communication network) to perform measurements without requiring external dedicated measurement equipment. The router nodes themselves provide the timing and measurement capabilities needed for segment performance monitoring, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for making network path performance measurements by utilizing multi-layer tunneling are described. In a distributed environment that includes one or more nodes configured to inject network traffic (compute nodes) and one or more nodes that are not configured to inject network traffic (router nodes), techniques are disclosed that allow for the measurement of performance metrics across network segments that include at least one router node. In certain implementations, with one or more router nodes configured with a tunnel termination endpoint and/or a locally-relevant label-to-port mapping, performance metrics between router nodes or between router nodes and compute nodes can be measured. Performance metrics that may be measured using the techniques disclosed herein include network latency, packet loss, and jitter. In addition, the techniques may be used for fault isolation.