Network Segment Testing via Isolated Sub-segment Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network performance monitoring systems are inadequate for accurately testing network segments, unable to autonomously reroute traffic along higher capacity paths, and are often costly and time-consuming, particularly in cloud environments where rapid changes in data congestion can occur.
Innovation Solution
Establishing multiple test points within network segments to test performance using a computer system, which can identify poor performance, determine the source of issues, and isolate the impact of sub-segments on network connections, allowing for autonomous rerouting and efficient monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple test points are established within network segments to accurately monitor performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network connection is divided into multiple segments with test points established at different locations (endpoint to intermediate point, intermediate point to other end point). Each segment is tested independently to isolate performance issues to specific network portions, improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex monolithic testing system.
2Reliability
If technicians are called to customer premises to monitor and diagnose network problems, then reliability of diagnosis is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system enables automated performance monitoring and diagnosis at customer premises without requiring technician presence. Test points automatically gather network performance data, identify problematic segments, and provide diagnostic information, allowing the network to self-monitor and reducing both time loss and the need for on-site technical personnel.
3Measurement precision
If existing monitoring systems cover all network connections including those outside ISP purview, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the testing of specific network segments of interest (those within ISP purview) from the entire end-to-end network path. By establishing test points that can independently measure specific segments, the system removes the need to monitor and analyze performance of external network portions, reducing system complexity while maintaining precision for the segments that matter.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for testing performance of network connections. In some cases, a method for testing performance of a network connection might comprise establishing a plurality of test points within one or more segments in the network connection. With a computer, performance of a selected segment of the network connection at one or more first test points may be tested. The selected segment might have a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The performance of one or more sub-segments of the selected segment at one or more second test points may also be tested with the computer. The computer may also determine an isolated performance of a particular one of the sub-segments based on the testing. In some instances, the method might further comprise determining, with the computer, that performance of the one or more sub-segments has affected performance of the network connection.