Packet UID Sequence Monitoring for Passive Delay and Loss Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network monitoring methods, particularly in rail vehicles and infrastructure, face challenges in efficiently and reliably monitoring packet streams without introducing additional data streams, which is crucial for maintaining high security standards.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for passively monitoring packet streams by evaluating unique identifiers (UIDs) in received packets to determine if the sequence matches a predetermined sequence, identifying missing or misplaced packets, and using timestamps to calculate delays and losses without windowing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active monitoring methods are employed with additional data exchange and metadata transmission, then monitoring reliability is improved, but network data traffic and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork data traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts monitoring information from the existing packet stream itself by analyzing UID sequences, rather than adding separate monitoring data streams. The receiver device monitors packet delay and loss by evaluating the sequence of UIDs in the packets it receives, eliminating the need for additional monitoring traffic while maintaining monitoring functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The UID field in the packet header serves multiple functions: it identifies the packet uniquely and simultaneously provides monitoring information when sequenced. The same packet data carries both payload information and monitoring data, allowing the system to monitor network conditions without introducing dedicated monitoring channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If active monitoring methods with additional data streams are used, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing UID sequence information embedded in the packets to perform self-monitoring. The receiver device autonomously evaluates the UID sequences to detect missing or delayed packets without requiring external monitoring systems or additional processing infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If passive monitoring without additional data streams is implemented, then network security is improved by avoiding additional data traffic, but monitoring reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidmonitoring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex active monitoring mechanisms with a simpler information analysis approach. By substituting the mechanical addition of monitoring data streams with an analytical evaluation of existing UID sequences, the system achieves reliable monitoring passively, enhancing security while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4668696A1Passive monitoring of packet delay and loss in a network system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP4668696A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP4668696A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4668696A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for passively monitoring packet streams (130) in a network (100) is described, comprising: i) receiving a plurality of packets (150), each having a unique identifier, UID, wherein the UIDs of the packets (150) correspond to a predetermined UID sequence, and wherein at least one UID cycle (170) of this UID sequence is used; and ii) evaluating the UIDs of the received packets (150) to determine whether the UID sequence of the received UIDs corresponds to the predetermined UID sequence, wherein: iia) upon finding that at least one UID from the predetermined UID sequence is missing: storing the at least one missing UID (151) in a list of missing packets (160); iib) upon finding that at least one UID does not fit into the predetermined UID sequence: Evaluate whether the at least one unsuitable UID (152) is stored in the list of missing packages (160);iii) wherein the method is free of windowing.;