Network Packet Loss Diagnosis Using RF and Weather Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks in mobile environments, such as ships or airplanes, face challenges in accurately detecting and mitigating packet loss due to congestion, burstiness, and radio frequency interference (RFI), which conventional bandwidth estimation methods fail to address effectively, leading to suboptimal network performance and troubleshooting complexity.

Innovation Solution

A network communications system with a bandwidth system and radio frequency statistics system that prioritizes data traffic using high and low priority queues, estimates bandwidth, and utilizes RF metrics and weather data to distinguish between congestion and RFI-induced packet loss, enabling real-time adjustments to optimize network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional bandwidth estimation methods are used to detect packet loss, then congestion-related packet loss can be identified, but RFI-induced packet loss cannot be distinguished, leading to incorrect troubleshooting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket loss detection accuracyVSAvoidtroubleshooting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet loss into distinct categories: congestion-related packet loss and RFI-induced packet loss. By separating these two types of packet loss and applying different detection methods for each, the system achieves accurate identification of the root cause without requiring complex manual troubleshooting. The segmentation allows targeted solutions for each packet loss type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that analyzes packet loss patterns and correlates them with RF metrics and weather data. This intermediary layer distinguishes between congestion and RFI causes by examining characteristics that conventional methods miss, thereby simplifying the troubleshooting process while improving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If bandwidth estimation is applied to minimize packet loss due to congestion, then congestion-related loss is reduced, but RFI-induced packet loss remains unaffected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsolution applicability to different packet loss causes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system that adapts its response based on the identified packet loss cause. When congestion is detected, bandwidth estimation techniques are applied; when RFI is detected, different mitigation strategies are employed. This dynamic adaptation ensures the system remains effective across varying network conditions and packet loss causes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach parameters based on the packet loss type identified. For congestion, bandwidth and packet rate are adjusted; for RFI, the system employs RF-specific mitigation techniques. These parameter changes allow the system to effectively address different packet loss causes without a one-size-fits-all approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If multiple data sources and visualizations are used to troubleshoot network performance, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but the process becomes non-intuitive and complex for IT officers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performance insight completenessVSAvoidtroubleshooting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data sources (packet loss data, RF metrics, weather data) and visualizations into a single integrated view. This consolidation presents comprehensive network performance information in one place, eliminating the need for IT officers to correlate multiple separate sources and making troubleshooting intuitive and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal troubleshooting interface that handles multiple types of packet loss and presents unified analysis regardless of the underlying cause. This multi-functional system provides consistent ease of use whether dealing with congestion, RFI, or other network issues, while maintaining complete analytical capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12520191B2Systems and methods to assess performance of communication networks

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 ESPACE NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A communications network may include a bandwidth system and a statistics system in order to assess data packet loss in a communications network. The bandwidth system may operate to mark data packets as either high or low priority and to receive feedback information on data packet loss and jitter. The statistic system may operate to collect metrics relating to the performance of radio frequency equipment as well as the weather or environmental conditions of a local area network. Embodiments of these systems may allow for identification of data packet loss due to specific sources such as radio frequency intervention, congestion, and burstiness. Visualization outputs may also be provided to benefit the operator of the system.