Packet Stream Measurement Using Unique Size Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network metrology methods, particularly in packet transmission networks, face challenges in obtaining geographically and qualitatively accurate information about network traffic, as active measurements provide only extremity-based data and passive measurements struggle with correlation and volumetric information insufficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combine active and passive measurements by using a stream measurement unit associated with network equipment, where a specific sequence of packets with unique sizes is sent, analyzed, and correlated to provide detailed stream descriptions for accurate traffic analysis, enabling identification of analyzed packets and calculation of packet transmission lead times across network segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active measurements are performed on test packets between terminals, then transmission lead time and packet loss can be determined, but only extremity-based information is obtained and geographic accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Network equipment acts as an intermediary that receives test packets from terminals, analyzes them locally, and reports results to a collection unit. This intermediary approach enables both accurate transmission lead time measurement and geographic localization of network segments, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and geographic information completeness
2Quantity of substance
If passive measurements are performed by analyzing streams in network equipment, then volumetric information is obtained, but correlation between different network equipment is complex and qualitative information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of test packets by assigning unique size values to each packet. This parameter change enables the collection unit to correlate packets across different network equipment based on their unique size signatures, significantly reducing correlation complexity while maintaining complete volumetric and qualitative information
3Measurement precision
If test packets with known sending time references are used, then end-to-end performance characteristics can be obtained, but information on intermediate network segments cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent analysis points: terminals that send test packets and network equipment that performs intermediate analysis. Each segment reports its local measurements to the collection unit, which reconstructs complete end-to-end performance characteristics while also providing detailed intermediate segment information
Data Source
AI summary
A data packet transmission network comprises a stream of packets of data sent by a first terminal passes in transit through at least one network equipment with which there is associated a stream measurement unit; wherein the first terminal and the measurement unit are connected to a collection unit. The measurement method comprising the following steps: the first terminal sends a specific stream of packets, each having a different determined size, the sizes being such that in a set of r packets, r being a positive integer less than or equal to the number of packets of the stream, there are not any two subsets of the set of r packets comprising the same number of packets and having the same cumulative total size; the measurement unit analyzes at least one packet and at most r packets of the stream passing in transit through the network equipment.