Network Topology Estimation via Packet Interference Jitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the network-layer topology of telecommunications networks without infrastructure support are limited and costly, and existing techniques for determining end-to-end path intersections are not always accurate.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses interference and probe streams of packets to detect jitter and determine intersections between end-to-end paths, creating a path intersection matrix to estimate the network topology, which allows for the identification of shared nodes and connectivity within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end-to-end measurements are used to estimate network-layer topology without infrastructure support, then the need for infrastructure support is eliminated, but the accuracy and reliability of topology estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces jitter as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure path intersections. Instead of directly querying network topology through infrastructure support, the method uses packet timing information (jitter) as a mediator that reveals topological relationships. The interference stream creates measurable jitter patterns that serve as evidence for path intersections, enabling topology estimation without direct infrastructure support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/topological measurement methods with statistical signal processing. Instead of using network infrastructure to directly map topology, the method substitutes statistical analysis of timing variations (jitter) in packet streams. By analyzing the statistical properties of jitter patterns rather than relying on physical network mapping, the system achieves infrastructure-free topology estimation.
2Reliability
If traditional methods for determining end-to-end path intersections are used, then some infrastructure support may be available, but the accuracy of path intersection detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information needed for path intersection detection from the packet timing data itself. By focusing only on the timing variations (jitter) and their statistical patterns, the method extracts topological information without requiring complex measurement infrastructure. The interference stream's timing pattern is extracted and analyzed to reveal path intersections, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If interference streams are transmitted to induce distinguishable jitter, then path intersections can be detected, but network traffic and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic interference patterns in the packet transmission. Rather than continuous random interference, the method uses periodic or structured interference patterns that create distinguishable jitter signatures. This periodic action allows the system to achieve precise jitter detection while reducing the overall volume of packets needed, as the repetitive pattern creates consistent measurable effects that can be detected with fewer samples.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating the network-layer topology of a telecommunications network is described. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention estimates the existence and connectivity of nodes in the topology based on the detection of network-wide end-to-end path intersections. This is based on the assumption that pairs of streams of packets that share a common node will interfere and that the interference can be detected in the received streams. In general, this interference is manifested as jitter. By transmitting streams on each pair of end-to-end paths in the network, and detecting interference (or a lack of interference) a matrix of path intersections for the network can be created. Using logic and supposition, the topology of the network can be estimated using the matrix of path intersections. Once the estimate of the topology is complete, the maintenance and operation of the network can proceed based on the topology.