Network Performance Detection via Link Flapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP network performance measurement methods are inaccurate due to reliance on previous hop link performance and limited check points, leading to significant errors in determining the actual packet loss rate and other network performance metrics of downstream links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that send test packets in groups to test paths including a to-be-tested link, with the first group of test packets flapping on the to-be-tested link according to preset flapping times, allowing for more accurate determination of network performance by reducing the impact of upstream link fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If network performance measurement relies on previous hop link performance data, then the measurement can be performed using existing infrastructure, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to accumulated errors from multiple hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end-to-end test path into multiple individual link segments by deploying test agents at intermediate nodes. Each agent independently measures the performance of its adjacent links, allowing the to-be-tested link to be isolated and measured separately rather than being obscured by cumulative effects of multiple hops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test agents as intermediary components deployed at network nodes along the test path. These agents act as mediators that locally measure link performance and report results, eliminating the need to rely on end-to-end measurements that accumulate errors from previous hops.
2Device complexity
If a single test path is used for network performance measurement, then the test path structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the to-be-tested link occupies a small proportion of the total path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach from a single-dimensional end-to-end path measurement to a multi-dimensional approach by deploying test agents at multiple intermediate nodes. This creates parallel measurement dimensions where each agent independently measures its local links, allowing the to-be-tested link to be prominently measured regardless of its position in the overall path.
3Stability of the object's composition
If network performance is measured at fixed check points, then the measurement system is stable and simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates because actual network performance changes in real time between check points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement by enabling test agents to continuously or periodically measure link performance in real time. Instead of fixed checkpoint measurements, the system adapts to changing network conditions by capturing performance data at multiple time points, allowing accurate reflection of real-time network state.
Data Source
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Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a network performance check method and apparatus. The method includes: sending a first group of test packets and a second group of test packets; receiving a first group of test packets returned on a first test path and a second group of test packets returned on a second test path, where the first group of test packets flaps on a to-be-tested link according to a quantity of preset flapping times; and further, determining network performance of a to-be-tested link according to a received first group of test packets and a received second group of test packets. It can be learnt that in the embodiments of this application, the first test packet flaps on the to-be-tested link, to increase a proportion of the to-be-tested link to the whole first test path (that is, a proportion of the to-be-tested link is greater than that of an upstream link). This reduces impact of upstream link network performance fluctuation on network performance measurement of the to-be-tested link, so that a network performance measurement result of the to-be-tested link is more accurate.