Network Performance Information Collection via PIP Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packet networks lack network performance information, particularly for real-time content, leading to difficulties in managing communications and diagnosing issues such as congestion, jitter, and packet loss, which affect voice quality and call handling.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for collecting network performance information from packet networks using performance information packets (PIP packets) that provide real-time and non-real-time content data, enabling the management of communications and diagnosis of network issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet networks are used for communication, then network flexibility and data transmission capability are improved, but network performance information collection and management capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces performance information packets (PIP packets) as an intermediary mechanism to carry network performance information between network devices. These packets serve as mediators that transport metrics such as jitter, delay, and packet loss from source to destination, enabling collection and management of performance data without disrupting the primary data communication function of the packet network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where network devices send performance information back through PIP packets to enable monitoring and management. This feedback loop allows the network to self-diagnose issues such as congestion, jitter, and packet loss by collecting performance metrics and using them to improve call handling and network management decisions.
2Reliability
If real-time content communication is implemented, then communication quality and user experience are improved, but network performance monitoring and diagnosis capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by embedding performance measurement functionality within the real-time communication stream itself. Network devices proactively generate and send PIP packets containing performance metrics (jitter, delay, packet loss) alongside or between real-time content packets, enabling continuous monitoring without adding significant overhead to the real-time communication flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The PIP packet structure is designed to be universal, carrying multiple types of performance information (jitter, delay, packet loss counts) in a single packet format. This multi-functional approach allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple performance parameters without requiring separate monitoring mechanisms for each metric, thereby simplifying the detection and measurement of network performance in real-time communications.
3Ease of operation
If network performance information collection is implemented, then call handling and network management are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into devices that generate PIP packets and devices that consume them, with clear division of responsibilities. Network devices segment performance information collection into discrete, manageable functions: generating performance metrics, encapsulating them in PIP packets, transmitting them through the network, and processing them for call handling decisions. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by creating modular, independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for collecting network performance information from a packet network. The method may include requesting network performance information from network communications devices on a packet network, collecting the network performance information from the network communications devices, where the network performance information is indicative of communications of real-time content and non-real-time content, and storing the network performance information in a configuration distinguishing the network performance information indicative of communications of real-time content.