Packet Buffering Measurement via Timestamp Tracking

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that tracks packet timestamps and buffer states to indirectly measure buffering capacity and latency. Instead of directly probing the packet switching device internals, the system uses timestamp information and packet flow analysis as intermediaries to infer buffer depth and latency characteristics, resolving the measurement precision issue without requiring complex direct access to device memory structures.

The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic buffer monitoring mechanisms with software-based packet analysis. Instead of using hardware probes or direct memory access to monitor buffer states, the invention uses software algorithms that process packet timestamps and flow information to calculate buffering capacity and latency, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining precision.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor packet timestamps, buffer states, and flow characteristics to provide real-time explanations of latency variations. The system compares actual packet transmission times with expected times and uses this feedback to identify causes of latency, enabling both explanation of latency and validation of QoS performance simultaneously.

The patent segments the packet flow analysis into distinct components: timestamp tracking, buffer state monitoring, latency calculation, and QoS validation. By dividing the complex analysis process into separate measurable segments, the system can independently measure and explain each aspect of network performance, improving both information completeness and validation efficiency.