Router Timestamps for Network Transit Time Measurement

The patent extracts only the essential timing information (timestamps at source and destination) from the complex network delay calculation problem. Instead of summing all potential delays (queue delays, hop delays, path efficiency), the invention directly measures the actual transit time by extracting timing data from network messages, thereby simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.

The patent introduces timestamps as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the complexity of network delay calculation. By embedding timestamps in network messages and using a timing synchronization protocol, the system transforms the complex problem of calculating all potential delays into a simple subtraction operation between received and sent timestamps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a timing synchronization protocol that runs continuously in the background. This protocol pre-syncs clocks across network nodes and pre-processes timing data collection, so that when actual transit time measurement is needed, the system can immediately perform accurate measurements without time-consuming setup or reconfiguration, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining precision.

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing continuous timing synchronization and background collection of timing data. Instead of periodically updating delay information or re-calculating routing paths when network configurations change, the system continuously maintains timing synchronization and accumulates timing statistics, thereby eliminating idle time and reducing the impact of network changes on measurement accuracy.