Packet Flow Performance Measurement via Alternating Block Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring packet loss, one-way delay, and jitter in packet-switched communication networks face challenges in providing separate and consistent performance measurements for multipoint packet flows, especially when using alternate marking techniques, as packets become indistinguishable after merging at the same interface, preventing accurate sub-flow measurements and end-to-end correlation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that divides packet flows into alternating blocks and uses a couple of connections originating from separate network points, allowing for separate measurement points to provide performance parameters before packets are merged, enabling distinct sub-flow measurements and maintaining packet separation for consistent measurements across different network spans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packets are transmitted through a couple of connections terminated on the same interface, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but packets become indistinguishable after merging preventing separate sub-flow measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing measurements at the originating network points before packets are merged at the terminating interface. Measurement points collect performance parameters (packet loss, delay, jitter) for each connection separately while packets are still distinguishable by their originating interface, enabling subsequent separate sub-flow measurements even after merging occurs
2Productivity
If alternate marking is implemented by a couple of connections, then traffic balancing is improved, but consistent measurements across different network spans cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs measurements at originating network points before packets are distributed across different network spans. By collecting performance parameters at the source while connections are still organized in alternating blocks, the system enables consistent end-to-end measurements that can be correlated across multiple network spans even after packets are merged and redistributed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by collecting performance parameters at measurement points and using them to provide performance measurements back to the network management system. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of alternate marking configurations to maintain measurement consistency across different network spans
3Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is used to distinguish packets within connections, then sub-flow measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the packet forwarding path by implementing separate measurement points at originating network points. This extraction eliminates the need for deep packet inspection within connections, as measurements are collected before packets are merged and made indistinguishable, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed a method for performing a performance measurement on a packet flow, which is based on division of the packet flow to be measured in alternating blocks. A couple of connections is provided, originated by respective originating network points (physical or logical interface or port) and terminated by respective terminating network points (physical or logical interface or port). Division of the packet flow to be measured is implemented by periodically switching transmission of the packets between the two originating network points. At each network point originating or terminating a connection, a measurement point is implemented which provides performance parameters (counter and/or timestamp) relating to the packets to be transmitted by or which have been received from the related connection. The performance measurement on the packet flow is then performed based on the performance parameters provided by the measurement points.