Network Device Throughput Testing via Self-Generated Detection Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current throughput testing methods require professional testers and incur additional costs, and cannot be performed without a functional test instrument.

Innovation Solution

A network device with data processing capabilities simulates a professional tester by generating periodic detection messages, sending them to a second network device, and analyzing loopback messages to determine throughput, allowing for automatic testing without external instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If professional testers are used to test throughput, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and testing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput measurement precisionVSAvoidtesting equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device tests its own throughput by generating detection messages, sending them through itself, and analyzing the loopback messages. This self-testing mechanism eliminates the need for external professional testers, reducing device complexity and testing costs while maintaining measurement precision through the standardized detection message protocol and statistical analysis method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network device performs multiple functions: it acts as both the test subject and the testing instrument. The data processor generates detection messages, manages message queues, analyzes loopback messages, and calculates throughput statistics, thereby serving multiple roles that would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If professional testers are used for throughput testing, then reliability of testing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to instrument dependency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoidtesting accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network device independently performs throughput testing without requiring external instruments to be functional. By using itself as the test instrument, the system eliminates the single point of failure represented by external testers, improving reliability while making testing accessible to any network device with data processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where detection messages are sent and loopback messages are received and analyzed. This feedback loop allows the network device to continuously monitor and evaluate its own throughput performance, ensuring reliable testing while simplifying operation through automated feedback-based measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If external testers are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup and instrument availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput measurement accuracyVSAvoidtest setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device immediately begins self-testing without requiring external instrument setup, calibration, or availability checks. The data processor directly generates detection messages and starts the testing process, eliminating all preparatory time associated with external testers while maintaining measurement accuracy through the standardized detection message protocol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network device pre-configures its data processor to generate detection messages with predetermined parameters (message types, intervals, quantities). This preliminary preparation of testing parameters allows the device to start measurement immediately without setup time, while the pre-configured message structure ensures accurate throughput measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2903213B1Throughput test method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 ZTE CORP
  • EP2903213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2903213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2903213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a throughput test method and apparatus. The method includes: a first network device generating a periodic detection message through a data processor; the first network device sending the detection message to a second network device to be tested, wherein a first throughput value of the first network device is greater than or equal to a second throughput value of the second network device; the first network device receiving a loopback detection message looped back by the second network device; the first network device obtaining a first quantity value of the detection messages as well as a second quantity value of the loopback detection messages; and the first network device obtaining the second throughput value characterizing the throughput of the second network device through the data processor based on the first quantity value and the second quantity value. The method and apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention make a network device automatically implement a throughput test and reduce costs of the throughput test