Network Latency Measurement via Timestamped Test Packets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring latency in Ethernet circuits and other network paths do not account for segment delays within multi-segment paths, requiring numerous tests and excessive messaging to isolate segment latency, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates a test packet with timestamps to measure latency between network devices, allowing each device to calculate segment delays and store them for later retrieval, enabling end-to-end and segment-by-segment latency determination without increasing messaging overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional end-to-end latency measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but segment delay information cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment delay measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the end-to-end path into multiple intermediate segments by having each network device along the path record its own transit time. Instead of treating the path as a single black box, the measurement is divided into discrete segments between adjacent devices, allowing precise identification of which segment contributes to latency issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary timestamping at each network device along the path. Each device records the arrival time and departure time of test packets before any central analysis occurs. This preliminary recording of time data at each segment enables subsequent calculation of segment delays without requiring complex real-time coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple tests are performed to isolate segment delays, then segment latency information can be obtained, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment delay identification accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the measurement process to capture data at each intermediate device simultaneously, the patent eliminates the need for multiple sequential tests. Each device along the path records its segment's delay in a single pass, allowing complete segment-by-segment analysis from one measurement campaign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single test packet traversal. As the test packet passes through each device, all devices simultaneously perform their timing measurements, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate tests into one coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If segment by segment measurement is implemented, then detailed latency information is obtained, but messaging overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment delay information completenessVSAvoidmessaging overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The test packet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries timing information for end-to-end measurement, provides segment delay data for each intermediate device, and enables identification of the specific segment causing latency. This multi-functionality is achieved by embedding timestamp fields that serve all measurement purposes in a single message structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

All necessary timing data is preliminarily embedded in the test packet during its traversal. Each device stamps its timing information into the packet as it passes, so that when the packet reaches the analysis point, all segment delay information is already contained within the original message structure, requiring no additional messaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12192084B2Method for devices in a network to participate in an end-to-end measurement of latency

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 ACCEDIAN NETWORKS

AI summary

A method of determining the latency of path segments in a communication network that uses multi-bit data packets comprises generating a test packet for use in determining the latency of path segments in the network; transmitting the test packet from a first device coupled to the network; storing in the test packet the time when a preselected bit in the test packet is transmitted from the first device; when the test packet is received by a second device coupled to the network, storing in the second device at least one of (a) the time when a preselected bit in the test packet is received by the second device and (b) the difference between (i) the time when the preselected bit in the test packet is transmitted from the first device and (ii) the time when the test packet is received by the second device.