Network Test Control via Master Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of data processing and routing in networks due to higher traffic and bandwidth requirements makes it challenging for service providers to determine whether service level agreements (SLAs) are met, particularly in ensuring performance metrics like latency, jitter, packet loss, and Mean Opinion Score (MOS) are within agreed-upon standards.
Innovation Solution
A network test environment is established with a master control device that communicates with other test devices to control testing across various protocols, utilizing virtual local area networks (VLANs), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay (FR), and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) for efficient point-to-point testing, including backup control devices to ensure continuous operation and accurate measurement of network parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If service providers manually monitor network performance, then they can detect SLA violations, but the complexity of data processing and routing makes manual monitoring insufficient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network testing system enables self-service by having the network automatically perform testing through distributed test devices that autonomously generate test traffic, collect performance data, and report results without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the entire testing workflow including test initiation, data collection, and SLA compliance determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring processes with automated electronic testing systems. Test devices electronically generate, route, and analyze test traffic packets, substituting human-operated mechanical monitoring with automated digital measurement and analysis systems that can process network performance data at machine speed.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple test devices are deployed across the network, then comprehensive network coverage is achieved, but coordinating control among devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple distributed test devices into a single centralized control device. This consolidation simplifies coordination by having one central authority manage test initiation, configuration, and data collection across all network locations, eliminating the complexity of inter-device coordination while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control device acts as an intermediary between the test administrator and distributed test devices. It receives testing requirements, translates them into device-specific commands, coordinates test execution across multiple locations, and aggregates results, thereby simplifying the control architecture while enabling comprehensive network-wide testing.
3Device complexity
If centralized control is used to simplify coordination, then control complexity is reduced, but system reliability decreases due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into a primary control device and multiple backup control devices. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplified control architecture during normal operation while providing redundant control paths that activate automatically if the primary controller fails, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring backup control devices that stand ready to assume control if the primary controller fails. This proactive redundancy ensures continuous operation and maintains system reliability without requiring complex real-time failover decisions, as the backup controllers are already positioned and configured to take over immediately.
4Reliability
If comprehensive network testing is performed to ensure SLA compliance, then service quality is maintained, but testing overhead and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having test devices send test traffic only when specifically instructed by the control device, rather than continuously generating traffic. This selective testing approach maintains comprehensive SLA monitoring while reducing unnecessary resource consumption by activating tests only when needed for compliance verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by scheduling test traffic generation at specific intervals or triggered by events, rather than continuous testing. This periodic approach ensures comprehensive network monitoring for SLA compliance while minimizing resource consumption by keeping test devices in a low-power state between testing cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving, at a first network device, a test initiation message from a control device, wherein the test initiation message includes at least an identification of a second network device. The method may further include retrieving the identification of the second network device from the test initiation message and generating test data including at least source information associated with the first network device, destination information associated with the second network device, and timestamp information associated with a time at which the test data is generated. In addition, the method may include transmitting the test data to the second network device via a data network under test and receiving return test data from the second network device. Further, the method may include generating performance information based on the return test data received from the second network device.