Network Latency Measurement Using Embedded Timestamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring network latency are complex, error-prone, or unsuitable for large-scale networks, particularly failing to accurately measure one-way latency in asymmetrical traffic environments and generating excessive network traffic.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device synced to a precise time source, such as a GPS or atomic clock, receives data packets with embedded timestamps to calculate one-way latency by averaging arrival times and providing standard deviation, reducing bandwidth consumption and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive tapping with probes and centralized analysis is used to measure one-way latency, then measurement accuracy is improved, but network traffic generation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential timing information (timestamps from packet headers) needed for latency measurement, rather than copying and transmitting entire packet contents. This allows accurate one-way latency measurement while minimizing network traffic generation, as only minimal timestamp data is transmitted to the central analysis point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary timestamp extraction and embedding directly at the packet injection point before packets traverse the network. This preliminary action captures the origin time accurately without requiring post-capture processing or additional measurement traffic, thereby avoiding extra network load while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If ping-based round trip measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy for one-way latency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring round-trip time and dividing by two (traditional ping method), the invention inverts the approach by directly measuring one-way latency using unidirectional timestamp comparison. Packets carry timestamps from origin to destination, and the destination compares these with its own clock to calculate actual one-way delay, eliminating the mathematical approximation errors inherent in round-trip methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces timestamps as intermediary data elements embedded within packets themselves. These timestamps serve as mediators that carry timing information from source to destination without requiring separate measurement packets or complex synchronization protocols, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If timestamp injection into data streams is used to measure latency, then measurement accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the latency measurement function with the existing data packet flow by embedding timestamps directly into packet headers or using packet metadata. This consolidation allows latency measurement to occur alongside normal data transmission without requiring separate measurement channels or additional bandwidth allocation, achieving accurate measurement with minimal extra bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for accurately calculating the latency of a data-network, by providing an electronic device that receives data packets moving across a network data point and compares their time of arrival with a timestamp stored within a data packet. The electronic device may calculate the average latency by comparing N number of data packets. Further systems and methods for comparing the latencies at N number of electronic devices placed at unique network data points and calculating latencies between each device.