Network Path Testing via Diagnostic Data Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-sensitive networks (TSN) used in industrial plants face challenges in ensuring timely communication, as they may deviate from nominal performance due to configuration errors, hardware or software faults, making it difficult to guarantee end-to-end determinism for critical control systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for testing communication networks by sending a test data flow through multiple devices, including end devices and network infrastructure, to evaluate network performance based on predetermined criteria such as throughput, latency, and jitter, ensuring the entire network infrastructure is tested for functionality, even if it involves a longer path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a direct shortest path is used for testing, then the test time is reduced, but the coverage of network infrastructure devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection for test data flows based on testing objectives. The system can adaptively choose between shortest paths for quick validation and longer paths for comprehensive infrastructure testing, allowing the testing strategy to evolve based on detected network conditions and testing priorities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of path length as a variable parameter in network testing. By deliberately selecting longer paths that traverse more network infrastructure devices, the system achieves broader coverage of network components, including switches, routers, and intermediate nodes that would be missed by shortest path routing.
2Reliability
If a longer path through the network is chosen, then more network infrastructure devices are tested, but the test duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary network discovery and mapping before actual performance testing. The system pre-identifies optimal test paths that maximize infrastructure coverage while considering acceptable time constraints, allowing comprehensive testing without excessive duration by planning the test route in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network testing process into multiple phases: infrastructure discovery, path selection, and performance validation. By dividing the testing into discrete segments that can be independently configured and executed, the system can focus on specific network portions or use parallel testing approaches to reduce overall test duration while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Reliability
If comprehensive network testing is performed, then network reliability is improved, but the complexity of test configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the testing system automatically discovers network topology, selects appropriate test paths, configures test parameters, and generates test reports without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously adapts to network changes and adjusts testing strategies, eliminating the need for complex manual test configuration while maintaining comprehensive network validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal testing framework that can validate multiple network protocols, devices, and scenarios through a single integrated system. The testing platform performs diverse functions including topology discovery, performance measurement, fault detection, and compliance verification, replacing multiple specialized testing tools and configurations with one multi-functional solution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a network that comprises multiple devices includes sending, by a first device that is a regular participant of the network, on a path through the network, a test data flow to a second device that is another regular participant of the network; sending, by the second device, the received test data flow, and/or at least one diagnostic metric derived from this received test data flow, to a diagnostic entity; and determining, by the diagnostic entity, based at least in part on the test data flow, and/or on the diagnostic metric, received from the second device, whether the path through the network is performing according to at least one predetermined criterion.