Non-intrusive Network Function Packet Delay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring network function packet processing delay are intrusive and disrupt network traffic, or they fail to accurately determine latency due to the lack of unique identifiers in data packets.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive mechanism that involves storing and matching checksum values of data packets entering and exiting a network function, using a unique identifier like a 64-bit timestamp to calculate packet round-trip latency, and generating telemetry data based on these timestamps without modifying the data stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional intrusive methods are used to measure packet processing delay, then measurement capability is improved, but network traffic is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses checksum values as an intermediary mechanism to identify and track packets without directly injecting measurement traffic into the network. The checksum acts as a passive marker that enables latency measurement while avoiding the need for active probe packets that would disrupt network traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing packet metadata (checksums and timestamps) that are already present in the data stream to perform measurements. By using self-contained information within the packets themselves rather than external measurement probes, the system achieves measurement capability without adding intrusive elements to the network traffic.
2Measurement precision
If checksum values are stored and matched for all packets, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively storing checksum values only for packets that require latency measurement, rather than processing all packets equally. The system stores checksums and timestamps for a subset of packets (those being measured) while allowing other packets to flow through without this additional processing, thereby reducing overall overhead while maintaining measurement accuracy for the selected packets.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device performs operations comprising: receiving a first plurality of data packets, each data packet of the first plurality of data packets including a checksum value, and storing the checksum values of a subset of the first plurality of data packets along with a first timestamp; providing the first plurality of data packets to a network function (NF); receiving, from the NF, a second plurality of data packets generated by the NF in response to the first plurality of data packets, each data packet of the second plurality of data packets including a checksum value; storing a second timestamp when checksum values of a subset of the second plurality of data packets match the stored checksum values; and generating telemetry data based on the first timestamp and the second timestamp.