Network Node Latency Determination via Timestamped Test Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks face challenges in identifying and addressing high latency issues within network elements, which affect transmission speed and customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves transferring test packets with timestamps through a communication network to determine node and application latencies, allowing for the identification of latent nodes and applications and subsequent data retrieval if thresholds are exceeded, enabling proactive management and optimization of network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network elements are monitored continuously to identify high latency issues, then network performance and customer satisfaction are improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively monitoring network elements before latency issues significantly impact performance. Test packets are continuously sent through network nodes to measure latency in advance, allowing operators to identify and address potential problems before they degrade customer experience or network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where latency measurements from test packets are continuously collected, analyzed, and used to trigger alerts or automated responses. This feedback mechanism enables the network management system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal performance without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If detailed latency measurements are taken at multiple network nodes, then the precision of latency identification is improved, but the time and resources required for measurement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into discrete nodes and measuring latency at each individual node separately using test packets. This segmentation allows precise identification of which specific node is causing latency issues, rather than only measuring end-to-end latency, enabling targeted troubleshooting without requiring exhaustive measurements of every network path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses test packets as simplified copies of actual data traffic to measure latency. These test packets replicate the essential characteristics of real traffic (routing paths, processing steps) but consume minimal bandwidth and resources, allowing frequent measurements without significantly impacting network performance or increasing measurement time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a communication system to determine latent applications in a communication network comprises transferring a first packet comprising a first test code to a network node, receiving the first packet in the network node, and in response to the first test code, time stamping the first packet. The method further comprises, in the test server, determining a node latency of the network node based on the time stamps, and if the node latency is greater than a first threshold, then transferring a second packet comprising a second test code to the network node, and in the network node, receiving the second packet, and in response to the second test code, time stamping the second packet. The method further comprises, in the test server, determining an application latency of an application based the time stamps, and if the application latency is greater than a second threshold, then receiving application data associated with the application.