Network Bandwidth Measurement Using Dynamic Packet Train Arrival Time Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network bandwidth measurement technologies face accuracy issues when delay occurs irregularly, as they rely on predetermined models that do not account for varying reception intervals, leading to decreased computation accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A network bandwidth measurement technique that uses a packet train with measurement packets of increasing or decreasing sizes to measure arrival time changes, extracting valid packets that match a predetermined arrival time change model to compute available bandwidth accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a predetermined arrival time change model is used for bandwidth measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates when delay occurs irregularly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the packet train configuration adaptable rather than fixed. The transmitting device dynamically adjusts packet intervals and sizes based on network conditions, allowing the measurement system to respond to irregular delays while maintaining operational simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its behavior to match actual network dynamics without requiring complex predetermined models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of the measurement process - specifically packet size, packet interval, and train length - to optimize measurement accuracy under varying network conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than relying on a fixed predetermined model, the system achieves high measurement precision even when delays occur irregularly, while keeping the overall process relatively simple through automated parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If packet sizes in the packet train are successively increased, then available bandwidth can be measured, but computation accuracy decreases when reception intervals vary due to irregular delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket size variationVSAvoidcomputation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the packet train dynamic by allowing the receiving device to request retransmission with modified parameters. When irregular delays cause reception interval variations, the system dynamically adjusts packet sizes and intervals based on actual network conditions rather than following a fixed increasing size pattern. This dynamic adaptation maintains computation accuracy while still enabling available bandwidth measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the measurement result notification mechanism. The receiving device analyzes reception intervals and packet arrival patterns, then feeds this information back to the transmitting device via measurement result notifications. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust future packet train configurations to compensate for irregular delays, maintaining computation accuracy despite varying network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If measurement packets are transmitted at constant transmission intervals, then the measurement process is straightforward, but accuracy deteriorates when irregular delay causes reception intervals to differ from transmission intervals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process straightforwardnessVSAvoidbandwidth measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the packet train to adapt its transmission intervals based on network conditions. While packets are initially transmitted at constant intervals for simplicity, the system dynamically adjusts these intervals when irregular delays are detected. The receiving device monitors reception intervals and requests retransmission with modified timing, enabling the system to maintain measurement accuracy without permanently complicating the transmission process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by having the transmitting device send packets at constant intervals as a baseline approach. When irregular delays are detected, the system then takes preliminary corrective action by requesting retransmission with adjusted parameters before proceeding with further measurements. This approach maintains straightforward initial operation while preparing the system to correct accuracy issues proactively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3509254B1Network band measurement device, system, method, and program
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 NEC CORP
  • EP3509254B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509254B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3509254B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transmitting side device generates a plurality of measurement packets of which the packet size is successively increased or decreased by a fixed number each time, includes in each measurement packet at least a packet number, a packet size, and a transmission time, to create a packet train, and transmits the packet train at predetermined equal intervals. A receiving side device measures the time of arrival of each of the measurement packets constituting the packet train, and extracts as a valid packet a series of measurement packets at a location where a change in the measured time of arrival matches an arrival time change model having a predetermined pattern. A network available band is computed using a measurement packet, among a series of measurement packets having equal arrival times, that has a maximum packet size.