Router Timestamp Insertion for BGP Propagation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current BGP routing protocols in high-density networks lack effective tools for accurately measuring propagation time of routing information, leading to implementation complexities and uncertainties in determining the exact moment of prefix creation, modification, or removal.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where timestamp data is generated and inserted into a field of a routing protocol message, allowing the propagation time of data routing information to be estimated by extracting and comparing timestamp data at the receiver node, without requiring changes to the existing routing protocol or additional development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If routing protocols like BGP are used in high-density networks, then network connectivity and routing capability are improved, but the ability to accurately measure propagation time of routing information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting timestamp data into routing protocol messages at the source node before the messages traverse the network. This allows the propagation time to be measured without requiring any special measurement infrastructure along the path, as the timing information is already embedded in the messages themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses timestamp data as an intermediary element that carries timing information through the routing protocol messages. This intermediary mechanism enables propagation time measurement without interfering with the actual routing function, allowing both routing capability and measurement precision to coexist.
2Device complexity
If traditional routing protocols are used without timestamp insertion, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but the complexity of implementing measurement tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the routing function with the measurement function by combining routing protocol messages with timestamp data. This unified approach eliminates the need for separate measurement tools and infrastructure, as the routing messages themselves carry the timing information needed for propagation time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing protocol messages serve multiple functions: they carry routing information for network connectivity and simultaneously carry timestamp data for propagation time measurement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated measurement infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If external tools like prefix generators and traffic analyzers are used to measure propagation time, then measurement capability is improved, but implementation complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling router nodes to perform their own propagation time measurements using timestamp data embedded in the routing messages they receive. Each node can independently calculate propagation time by comparing the embedded timestamp with its local clock, eliminating the need for external measurement tools and complex synchronization infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring the propagation time of data routing information in a data communication system including a data communication network which comprises a plurality of router nodes operating according to a routing protocol for routing data packets between nodes of the data communication network is disclosed. The method includes, at a router node referred to as the generator node: generating timestamp data for the transmission of data routing information; inserting the transmission timestamp data into a field of a routing protocol message carrying the data routing information, the field being intended to receive data relating to data routing; and sending the message to a different router node referred to as the receiver node.