Packet Flow Marking for Multipoint Live Traffic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for performance measurement in multipoint packet flows in packet-switched communication networks require three marking bits to identify packets for point-to-point and multipoint measurements, but only two bits are available in the packet's header, necessitating the application of address filtering techniques, which are not available for the packet's header to implement a method and system for packet's header to implement a method and system for packet's packet's header to measure packets which supports passive performance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using two marking bits in the packet's header to enable both sample and multipoint performance measurements on live traffic in packet-switched communication networks, without requiring address filtering techniques, by alternately switching the first marking bit and setting the second marking bit to indicate whether a packet is for sample or multipoint measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three marking bits are used to identify packets for point-to-point and multipoint measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but packet header structure is worsened (only two bits are available)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification of packets for point-to-point measurements and multipoint measurements into a single marking bit (the second marking bit). By setting this bit to different values (first value for point-to-point, second value for multipoint), the system achieves both measurement types without requiring separate bits for each function, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and header structure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second marking bit is designed to serve multiple functions: it identifies packets for point-to-point measurements when set to a first value, and identifies packets for multipoint measurements when set to a second value. This multi-functionality allows the single bit to replace what would traditionally require multiple bits, maintaining measurement versatility while simplifying the packet header structure
2Measurement precision
If address filtering techniques are applied to identify packets, then packet identification accuracy is improved, but measurement system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables packets to self-identify their measurement type through the marking bits set by the source node. Measurement points simply need to read the marking bits in the packet headers to determine whether to process packets for point-to-point or multipoint measurements, eliminating the need for complex address filtering techniques and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining identification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for enabling a performance measurement on a multipoint packet flow carrying live traffic through a packet switched communication network. Each packet comprises a marking bit, which before its transmission is set to either a first value indicating that the packet is to be subjected to a sample performance measurement, or a second value indicating that the packet is not to be subjected to a sample performance measurement. A measurement point placed on the path of the packet reads the value of its marking bit and: if it is set to the first value, it generates a sample performance parameter relating to the packet; otherwise, it updates a cumulative performance parameter relating to the multipoint packet flow as a whole. A sample measurement based on the sample performance parameter and/or a multipoint performance measurement based on the cumulative performance parameter may then be performed.