Probing Packet Bandwidth Testing for Variable Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing data channels, particularly in game streaming over variable networks, are inadequate for channels with multiple physical types and protocols, leading to inaccurate bandwidth estimation and poor user experience due to variable latency and jitter.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of groups of increasing probing packets over successive time periods to determine bandwidth, packet loss, and jitter, allowing for quick and accurate assessment of data channel characteristics without requiring complex feedback from the receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If probing-based approaches are used to test bandwidth, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple probing techniques required for different network types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal probing packet mechanism that functions across multiple network types (Ethernet, WiFi, cellular) and protocol layers (Link, Network, Transport) without requiring separate specialized tools. The probing packets are designed to be protocol-agnostic, allowing a single testing system to accurately measure bandwidth across diverse network infrastructures through unified multi-functional probing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cross-layer approaches are used to obtain wireless link idle rate, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional data transmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The probing packets carry embedded timing information and are designed to be self-describing, containing all necessary data for the receiver to calculate bandwidth metrics without requiring additional feedback messages or overhead transmissions. The receiver independently processes the probing packets to determine bandwidth, eliminating the time-consuming feedback loop required by traditional cross-layer approaches.
3Device complexity
If single-layer approaches are used for bandwidth estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for channels with multiple physical types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth measurement process into distinct protocol layers (Link layer, Network layer, Transport layer), with probing packets designed to operate at each layer independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at each individual layer while achieving accurate multi-layer bandwidth measurement when combined, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision for heterogeneous network channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for testing a data channel are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) transmitting groups of increasing numbers of probing packets of a uniform load over successive time periods over the data channel and (2) determining a bandwidth of the data channel based on receive times and loads of at least some of successfully received ones of the groups.