Network Performance Measurement via Reference Packet Probing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active probing methods for measuring network performance increase network traffic load due to the transmission of probe packets without payload, which can become significant as the volume of measurements grows.

Innovation Solution

Sending a payload packet and a reference packet from a sending node to a receiving node, where receive information related to both packets is generated and used to estimate network performance, reducing the need for additional probing overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If active probing packets are sent for network measurement, then network performance can be measured, but network traffic load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performance measurementVSAvoidnetwork traffic load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges measurement functionality with existing payload traffic by embedding measurement data within payload packets. Instead of sending separate probe packets, the system utilizes the payload packets themselves to carry measurement information, thereby combining the measurement function with the existing data transmission function and eliminating additional probing overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes payload packets serve multiple functions: they simultaneously carry user data and perform network measurement tasks. By embedding measurement information within the payload packets, the system enables these packets to function both as data carriers and as measurement probes, eliminating the need for dedicated probe packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If probe packet trains are used to eliminate synchronization needs, then measurement can be performed without sender-receiver synchronization, but probing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization requirementVSAvoidprobing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement information (timestamps and packet identifiers) from traditional probe packet trains and embeds them within payload packets. This extraction eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability, as the embedded information is sufficient for performance assessment without requiring additional probe packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8737216B2Measuring network performance with reference packet probing

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of measuring network performance is disclosed. A payload packet is transmitted from a sending node to a receiving node via a communication network. A reference packet is transmitted to the receiving node in connection with sending of the payload packet. Receive information related to the payload packet and to the reference packet is generated, at the receiving node. Send information related to the payload packet and to the reference packet is received, by the receiving node. Network performance is estimated by utilizing the send and receive information.