Packet Loss Detection via Dedicated Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet loss detection methods in communications networks require implementation of detection functions on each network element, leading to complex implementation and high deployment costs.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus is used to detect packet loss rates between network elements without the need to implement detection functions on the detected network elements, utilizing loopback paths and prioritized packet transmission to differentiate between fault-based and congestion-based packet loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection functions are implemented on each network element, then packet loss detection can be performed, but implementation complexity and deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated detection apparatus as an intermediary component that performs packet loss detection between two network elements. This mediator handles all detection functions centrally, eliminating the need to implement detection capabilities on each network element. The detection apparatus sends detection packets through the network path and analyzes the results to determine packet loss rates, thereby resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining detection capability while reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If detection functions are implemented on each network element, then packet loss detection can be performed, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus serves as a centralized intermediary that consolidates detection functionality. Instead of deploying detection software or hardware on every network element, a single detection apparatus is deployed to perform all packet loss measurements. This significantly reduces deployment costs while maintaining the ability to detect packet loss between any pair of network elements in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection apparatus is designed with universal functionality to detect packet loss between any two network elements in the network. A single multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized detection functions that would otherwise need to be distributed across the network, thereby reducing overall deployment costs while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional packet loss detection is used, then packet loss rate can be calculated, but fault-based and congestion-based losses cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet loss into two distinct categories: fault-based packet loss and congestion-based packet loss. The detection apparatus implements separate detection mechanisms for each type by using different priorities for sending detection packets. High-priority packets are used to detect fault-based loss (where even high-priority packets are dropped), while normal-priority packets detect congestion-based loss (where only low-priority packets are dropped). This segmentation preserves complete information about loss causes while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection apparatus changes the priority parameter of sent packets to differentiate between fault-based and congestion-based packet loss. By transmitting detection packets at different priority levels and analyzing which packets are lost, the system can determine the cause of packet loss. This parameter change approach enables the system to maintain precise measurement of packet loss rates while avoiding loss of information about the underlying causes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a-1
Figure 2a-2
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for implementing packet loss detection. The method includes: determining, by a detection apparatus, that there is no packet loss when packet transmission is performed at a first priority over a first loopback path that includes a first subpath and a second subpath; sending N1 packets over a second loopback path that includes the first subpath, the second subpath, a third subpath, and a fourth subpath, where the packets are transmitted at the first priority over the first subpath and the second subpath, and are transmitted at a second priority over the third subpath and the fourth subpath; and determining a packet loss rate between a first network element and a second network element according to N1 and a quantity N2 of received packets returned over the second loopback path. Therefore, a packet loss rate between any two network elements can be detected only by implementing a detection function on a detection apparatus, thereby resolving a prior-art problem of complex implementation and relatively high deployment costs because the detection function is required on each detected network element.