Network QoS Capability Detection via Probe Packet Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining whether a network supports Quality of Service (QoS) enabled traffic is challenging due to variations in network handling of QoS identification packets, with some networks being incompatible, tolerant, or fully enabled.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sending of test packets through the network to assess how it handles packets with QoS identification, including sending large and small probe packets with varying priority tags to observe packet queuing behavior and determine if higher priority packets are re-queued ahead of lower priority packets under congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test packets with QoS identification are sent through the network, then the ability to determine network QoS capability is improved, but the complexity of the testing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into three distinct test packet types (first, second, and third probe packets) with different QoS identification characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to systematically probe different aspects of network QoS capability, enabling precise determination of whether the network is QoS-enabled, QoS-tolerant, or QoS-incompatible through structured analysis of packet handling results
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes parameters of test packets including QoS identification presence, packet size (large vs small), and priority tags. By varying these parameters and observing network responses, the system can accurately characterize network QoS capabilities while maintaining a systematic testing approach that manages complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple types of test packets are sent to accurately assess network handling, then the precision of QoS capability detection is improved, but the time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method sends multiple probe packets in a predetermined sequence as preliminary actions to establish network QoS characteristics before actual QoS-enabled traffic is deployed. This preliminary characterization prevents time loss during production operations by pre-determining network capabilities and compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system sends a series of probe packets that may exceed minimal testing requirements to ensure accurate classification of network QoS capability. This excessive action ensures reliable detection by covering edge cases and varying packet conditions, preventing misclassification that would require retesting
3Measurement precision
If the network is monitored for packet queuing behavior under congestion, then the accuracy of QoS support determination is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring network behavior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors for feedback in the form of packet arrival order at the destination. By tracking whether higher priority probe packets arrive before lower priority packets under congestion conditions, the system obtains direct feedback on QoS handling capability, enabling accurate determination of network QoS support through observable behavior
Solution Approach 2:
Test packets with QoS identification serve as intermediaries to probe network behavior without disrupting production traffic. These intermediary packets reveal network QoS capabilities by how they are queued and transmitted relative to regular traffic, making invisible network behaviors visible and measurable
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to determine whether a network is quality of service enabled is disclosed. The method may send a variety of test packets through a network and depending on how the network handles the packets, a determination may be made whether the network does not support packets with quality of service identification, tolerates packets with quality of service identification or supports packets with quality of service identification.