Network Performance Sampling via Burst Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time packet network applications, such as VoIP, require continuous monitoring of transmission quality to maintain high-quality end-to-end transmission, but existing testing methods strain network resources and can reduce actual user traffic quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving transmitting bursts of test packets with characteristics emulating real-time traffic, such as VoIP, to measure arrival characteristics with minimal impact on user traffic by keeping burst duration low and intervals long, allowing for periodic monitoring without significant disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous packet traffic is transmitted to monitor network quality, then measurement precision is improved, but network resources are strained and user traffic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting test packets in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The test packets are sent in short bursts at periodic intervals, allowing the network to be monitored over time while providing idle periods where user traffic can flow without interference from test traffic, thus maintaining user traffic quality while still achieving monitoring objectives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only a limited number of test packets in each burst rather than continuous full-volume test traffic. The test packets are sent in controlled quantities (e.g., 1-5 packets per burst) which is sufficient to gather quality metrics but insufficient to significantly strain network resources or degrade user traffic quality
2Reliability
If test packets are transmitted continuously to ensure adequate quality monitoring, then reliability of quality assurance is improved, but network resources are consumed and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits test packets periodically in short bursts at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission schedule ensures that quality assurance is maintained over time while minimizing the total volume of test traffic, thereby preserving network resources for user traffic and maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by sending a small, controlled number of test packets in each burst (e.g., 1-5 packets) rather than substantial volumes of test traffic. This partial testing approach provides sufficient quality assurance data while consuming minimal network resources, thus avoiding significant impact on user traffic throughput
3Measurement precision
If high-volume test traffic is used to accurately measure network performance, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to network resource strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting a limited number of test packets in each burst (e.g., 1-5 packets per burst) rather than high-volume test traffic. This partial testing approach generates sufficient measurement data to assess transmission quality while minimizing the harmful strain on network resources such as bandwidth, buffer space, and processing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by transmitting test packets in periodic bursts with intervals between bursts. This periodic pattern distributes the measurement activity over time rather than concentrating high-volume traffic in continuous streams, thereby reducing peak network resource strain while still achieving accurate quality measurements through accumulated data over multiple bursts
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a communication network includes transmitting a flow of test packets over a path through the network. The flow includes a series of bursts of the test packets separated by intervals having an interval duration, each burst comprising a sequence of the test packets and having a burst duration less than the interval duration. Arrival characteristics of the test packets in the flow are measured at a receiving end of the path. The arrival characteristics include at least one of a packet loss characteristic, a packet delay characteristic, and a packet jitter characteristic. A quality defect in the network is detected based on the measured arrival characteristics.