Probe Packet Replication for High-Bandwidth Frame Loss Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Certain devices are incapable of generating test packets at the required high rates necessary for ITU-T Y.1564 network testing in high-bandwidth networks, hindering effective service-level agreement testing.
Innovation Solution
A packet generator duplicates probe packets using a replication factor, with a network processor transmitting the duplicated packets to a responder device, allowing for frame loss measurement based on reflected packets, thereby enabling testing in high-bandwidth networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test packets are generated at the maximum bit rate supported by communication links, then measurement precision for service-level agreement testing is improved, but device capability requirements worsen (devices become incapable of generating required test packets)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating multiple duplicate copies of each generated probe packet. A single probe packet is replicated N times according to a replication factor, where N is determined based on the ratio between the maximum link bandwidth and the packet generator's available bandwidth. This allows the system to achieve the required high packet transmission rate for accurate frame loss measurement without requiring the generator device to have sufficient bandwidth to create all packets independently.
2Quantity of substance
If the replication factor is increased to compensate for lower bandwidth, then the number of available probe packets increases, but device complexity increases (requiring replication logic and bandwidth calculation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the replication factor based on measurable system parameters. The replication factor N is calculated as N = (S - G) / G, where S is the maximum bandwidth supported by the communication link and G is the available bandwidth of the packet generator. This parameter-based approach allows the system to adapt to different hardware capabilities and network conditions without requiring complex fixed architectures.
3Reliability
If probe packets are transmitted at high rates matching link bandwidth, then reliability of service-level agreement testing is improved, but loss of time increases (time to generate and transmit required packets)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the replication factor before initiating the frame loss measurement test. The system determines the available bandwidth G and maximum link bandwidth S in advance, computes the required replication factor N, and configures the duplication mechanism beforehand. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time adjustments during packet transmission, ensuring that the high packet rate required for reliable testing is achieved without time loss during the actual measurement process.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes determining a replication factor and duplicating one or more original probe packets according to the replication factor, resulting in one or more replicated probe packets. The method also includes transmitting a set of probe packets to a responder device, the set of probe packets including the one or more original probe packets and the one or more replicated probe packets. The method further includes determining a count of one or more reflected probe packets received from the responder device and determining a frame loss measurement based on the count of the one or more reflected probe packets.