Network Topology Estimation via Packet Stream Interference
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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
The method involves transmitting interference and probe streams on each pair of end-to-end paths to detect jitter, which allows for the estimation of path intersections and subsequently the network topology, using a path intersection matrix to identify shared nodes and infer network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If end-to-end measurements are used to estimate network topology without infrastructure support, then the cost of topology determination is reduced, but the measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach using end-to-end packet streams with specific temporal patterns as mediators to indirectly detect path intersections. Instead of direct infrastructure support, probe streams and interference streams act as intermediaries that reveal topology information through their interaction patterns, achieving topology estimation without expensive infrastructure modifications while maintaining reasonable accuracy through pattern analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical infrastructure-based topology determination system with an information-based measurement system. Instead of relying on physical network infrastructure to provide topology data, the system uses end-to-end packet measurements and temporal pattern analysis to substitute for direct infrastructure support, reducing cost while obtaining topology information through indirect observation
2Reliability
If traditional path intersection detection methods are used, then infrastructure support is available, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topology detection function from the network infrastructure itself and relocates it to end-host measurements. By taking out the path intersection detection capability from the network core infrastructure and implementing it through simple end-to-end packet exchanges, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability through the use of distinctive temporal patterns that can be analyzed at the endpoints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of path intersections by copying the temporal patterns of packet streams and analyzing their interference patterns. Instead of directly measuring physical path intersections, the system creates and analyzes copies of packet streams with known temporal characteristics, using the interference patterns of these copies to infer the actual topology without requiring complex infrastructure modifications
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If interference streams with distinguishable patterns are transmitted, then path intersections can be detected, but the loss of information increases due to jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by transmitting interference streams with specific temporal patterns at regular intervals. These periodic transmissions create predictable interference patterns that can be distinguished from background jitter, allowing path intersection detection while managing information loss through the regularity and predictability of the pattern repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of jitter and packet loss into a beneficial detection mechanism. By designing interference streams with distinctive temporal patterns, the jitter and timing variations that would normally be considered information loss actually become the signal for detecting path intersections. The interference patterns caused by shared nodes are transformed from noise into useful topology information
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.