Network Performance Degradation Diagnosis via Segmented Baseline Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network performance degradation can be difficult to identify and diagnose, as it is influenced by various factors such as cross-traffic on local networks, remote servers, and Internet service providers, making it challenging to determine the source of the issue.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to monitor and diagnose network performance degradation by establishing a baseline using network performance parameters, progressively eliminating potential sources, and determining whether issues are caused by local network cross-traffic, remote servers, or Internet service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network performance monitoring is performed to identify degradation sources, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into multiple sections (local network, ISP network, remote network) and monitored independently. Each section has its own performance metrics and baseline comparisons, allowing precise identification of which segment is causing degradation without requiring a single complex monolithic monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary test servers positioned at different network boundaries (local gateway, ISP edge, remote gateway) to mediate performance measurements. These intermediaries facilitate standardized testing between different network domains while isolating the complexity of cross-network measurement from the end-user system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple network performance parameters are monitored, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates different performance parameters (latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput) into distinct measurement streams. Each parameter is collected, stored, and analyzed independently, allowing precise multi-dimensional performance monitoring while enabling selective retention of only the most relevant data for diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary baseline establishment and comparison before full diagnostic analysis. Historical performance data is pre-processed to establish normal ranges and patterns, so that when degradation occurs, only deviations from established baselines need to be analyzed in detail, reducing the volume of information requiring intensive processing.
3Measurement precision
If progressive elimination method is used to identify degradation sources, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary parallel measurements across all network segments simultaneously, establishing performance baselines for each section before degradation occurs. When degradation is detected, the pre-established baselines enable immediate comparison and elimination of normal segments, significantly reducing the time required for progressive diagnosis compared to sequential testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs measurements that are partially redundant across different network segments. Multiple test packets are sent through different paths and segments simultaneously, creating some excessive measurement activity that enables faster elimination of normal segments through parallel comparison, trading some measurement overhead for reduced overall diagnosis time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring, for communication paths between a networked computer and at least one other networked computer connected via a network performance, network information to detect network performance degradation and diagnose source(s) of the performance degradation. The diagnosis may be performed by a progressive elimination of possible sources. Network performance degradation may be attributed to problems at a local network or the Internet. The problem sources on the Internet may comprise, for example, an internet server provider (ISP) or a single remote server in communication with the networked computer. A network performance baseline established and maintained for each path may be employed in diagnosing the network performance degradation.