Network Element Performance Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer networking technologies face challenges in efficiently detecting and responding to changes in network performance metrics such as delay, jitter, and packet loss, leading to suboptimal routing decisions and potential network congestion or underutilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where network elements use performance measurements, such as those from TWAMP and TWAMP Value-Added Octets, to generate triggers that induce appropriate actions, like rerouting or path adjustments, based on predefined communication performance thresholds, allowing for proactive management of network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network elements continuously monitor performance metrics to detect network issues early, then network reliability is improved, but network complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively measuring communication performance metrics (delay, jitter, packet loss) before network failures occur. Performance monitor modules continuously assess link quality and generate triggers when thresholds are exceeded, enabling early detection and response to potential issues, thus improving network reliability without waiting for actual failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where performance measurements are continuously monitored and compared against thresholds. When performance metrics exceed defined thresholds, trigger messages are generated and propagated through the network, enabling dynamic routing adjustments. This closed-loop feedback system maintains reliability by automatically responding to performance degradation while managing complexity through standardized threshold-based decision-making
2Productivity
If performance measurements are used to trigger routing adjustments, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring multiple communication performance metrics (delay, jitter, packet loss ratio, capacity) and comparing them against predefined thresholds. When metrics exceed thresholds, the system dynamically adjusts routing parameters, selecting alternative paths that optimize bandwidth utilization. The use of standardized TWAMP protocol parameters enables precise measurement while maintaining implementation feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by measuring and responding to only the most critical performance parameters that significantly impact routing decisions. Rather than monitoring all possible network metrics, the system focuses on key parameters (delay, jitter, packet loss) that directly affect service quality and bandwidth utilization, achieving effective optimization without requiring excessive measurement precision across all network dimensions
3Productivity
If multiple communication performance parameters are monitored, then network efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universality by implementing a multi-functional performance monitoring system that simultaneously measures multiple communication parameters (delay, jitter, packet loss ratio, capacity) using the standardized TWAMP protocol. The same measurement infrastructure and message formats are used across all parameter types, enabling comprehensive network efficiency monitoring while reducing implementation complexity through protocol standardization and shared measurement mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed in a network element for reacting to communication performance measurements that fall outside of communication performance thresholds. The network element generates a communication performance measurement between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, wherein each endpoint is a point of communication in the network and at least the first endpoint resides on the network element. The network element retrieves a communication performance threshold and determines whether the communication performance measurement falls outside of the communication performance threshold. The network element generates a trigger associated with the communication performance measurement and the communication performance threshold when it is determined that the communication performance measurement falls outside of the communication performance threshold. The network element retrieves a registered handler associated with the generated trigger to indicate that the registered handler requires execution in response to the generated trigger and executes the registered handler.