Scout Packets for QoE Measurement and Problem Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators lack accurate real-time measurement tools to assess quality of experience (QoE) levels and identify the sources of problems in packet-based transport systems, relying on simulations, network modeling, customer complaints, and service call frequencies, which leads to delayed detection and resolution of service degradations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of scout packets that are injected into the network to monitor QoE by experiencing the same conditions as data packets, allowing for the measurement of packet-level performance and identification of packet degradation, delay, and loss, enabling proactive issue detection and source localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scout packets are injected into the network to monitor QoE, then measurement precision of QoE levels is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Scout packets are introduced as intermediary elements that traverse the network path alongside data packets. These scout packets carry monitoring information and interact with network elements to collect QoE metrics without being the primary data carrying packets, thus enabling precise measurement while maintaining network functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies (scout packets) of actual data packets that follow the same network path but contain only monitoring information. These scout packet copies enable QoE measurement without requiring complex modifications to the actual data traffic handling
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If scout packets are used to identify problem sources, then difficulty of detecting and measuring problems is reduced, but loss of time for issue identification increases
Solution Approach 1:
Scout packets are injected into the network in advance of actual data traffic or concurrently with it, performing preliminary monitoring of network conditions. This allows problem sources to be identified before they affect actual service quality, reducing the time needed for issue identification when problems occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where scout packets collect QoE metrics from network elements and return this information to monitoring systems. This real-time feedback enables rapid identification of problem sources as they develop, reducing detection time while maintaining ease of measurement
3Reliability
If real-time QoE measurement is implemented, then reliability of service monitoring is improved, but use of energy for monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial monitoring by using scout packets that carry only essential monitoring information rather than full data replication. Scout packets are injected at selective intervals and locations, providing sufficient QoE measurement reliability while minimizing the energy overhead compared to comprehensive continuous monitoring of all traffic
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media can provide for measuring the quality of experience levels and locating the sources of problems for service types in a network. This can be facilitated by sending one or more scout packets through the network, identifying those scout packets at the various network elements on a path within the network between a source and a destination, and compiling scout information identified by each of the various network elements to determine potential service degradation within the network.