Network Element Latency Testing via Loop Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network performance analysis in ring networks often requires external equipment and manual intervention, making it costly and inefficient, especially when identifying and addressing traffic pattern issues that degrade network performance.
Innovation Solution
A network element can autonomously analyze its performance by configuring a loop on the network, injecting data units, and determining latency statistics using timing data units, eliminating the need for external equipment and manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external equipment and manual intervention are used for network performance analysis, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs self-testing by autonomously generating test data units, injecting them into the network loop, and analyzing the results without requiring external testing equipment or manual intervention. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by eliminating external equipment while maintaining measurement precision through automated latency statistic calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a network router and a performance testing device. By integrating testing capabilities into the network element itself, the system eliminates the need for separate external equipment, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If external equipment is used for network analysis, then accurate latency statistics can be obtained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network element autonomously performs the complete testing process including generating test data units, injecting them into the network, tracking their traversal, and calculating latency statistics. This eliminates manual intervention while maintaining accuracy, as the system serves itself without requiring operators to use external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having network elements track and report the traversal of test data units back to the originating element. This automated feedback loop enables accurate latency measurement without manual intervention, as the network itself provides the measurement data through its normal operation.
3Productivity
If network elements forward data units around a loop at high rates, then productivity increases, but loss of time increases due to traffic pattern issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing by injecting test data units into the network loop before normal high-rate operations begin. This allows the identification of traffic pattern issues and potential latency problems in advance, enabling preventive measures to be taken before they impact actual network productivity and cause time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively identifies problematic traffic patterns through preliminary testing and takes corrective action before these patterns can degrade network performance. By detecting issues in advance, the system prevents the loss of time that would occur during normal high-rate operations, thus protecting productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described that may allow a network element to analyze the performance of a network without using external equipment external to the network. In one example, a method includes injecting a plurality of data units onto the network, forwarding the plurality of data units around the network loop, injecting at least one timing data unit on to the network, forwarding the at least one timing data unit around the network loop, and determining at least one latency statistic correlated to the at least one characteristic of the forwarded plurality of data units.