Centralized Network Probe Planning for SD-WAN QoE Metrics

Solution Overview

Problem

In Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs), the current methods for determining Quality of Experience (QoE) metrics through probe packets consume excessive bandwidth and resources, especially when measuring complex paths, due to redundant and duplicate probing across multiple links.

Innovation Solution

A centralized SDN controller constructs a network topology map, selects a single node to measure QoE metrics for each link, and extrapolates metrics for reverse directions and complex paths, reducing redundant probing and optimizing resource usage by distributing probing responsibilities uniformly across nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each node device transmits multiple probe packets over every link to determine QoE metrics, then measurement precision is improved, but bandwidth consumption and resource usage increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoE metrics accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the probing functions of multiple node devices into a single centralized controller. The controller consolidates probing responsibilities, allowing one node to perform probing for multiple links instead of each node probing all its links independently. This combining of probing activities eliminates redundant probe packets while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized controller implements multi-functionality by enabling a single node device to perform probing operations for multiple different links that it would not normally be responsible for. This universal probing capability allows one node to measure QoE metrics across various links, replacing the need for multiple specialized probing operations from different nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If each node device performs probing processes on all connected links, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoE metrics coverageVSAvoidprobing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the probing functions of multiple node devices into a single centralized controller. The controller consolidates probing responsibilities, allowing one node to perform probing for multiple links instead of each node probing all its links independently. This combining of probing activities eliminates redundant probe packets while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized controller acts as an intermediary between network links and probing operations. Rather than having each node directly manage its own probing complexity, the controller mediates the probing process by receiving requests, determining optimal probing nodes, and coordinating the actual probing activities. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity at individual node devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple node devices send probe packets over complex paths, then path QoE measurement accuracy is improved, but resource consumption including CPU, memory, and power increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplex path QoE metricsVSAvoidnode device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the probing functions of multiple node devices into a single centralized controller. The controller consolidates probing responsibilities, allowing one node to perform probing for multiple links instead of each node probing all its links independently. This combining of probing activities eliminates redundant probe packets while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized controller creates a virtual copy of the network topology and maintains it internally. This topological representation allows the controller to simulate and analyze complex paths without physically sending probe packets along every possible route. The controller uses this copied topology information to determine optimal probing strategies and extrapolate path metrics from individual link measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11968118B2Planning and managing network probes using centralized controller

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

In general, the disclosure describes techniques for measuring edge-based quality of experience (QoE) metrics. For instance, a network device may construct a topological representation of a network, including indications of nodes and links connecting the nodes within the network. For each of the links, the network device may select a node device of the two node devices connected by the respective link to measure one or more QoE metrics for the respective link, with the non-selected node device not measuring the QoE metrics. In response to selecting the selected node device, the network device may receive a set of one or more QoE metrics for the respective link for data flows flowing from the selected node device to the non-selected node device. The network device may store the QoE metrics and determine counter QoE metrics for data flows flowing from the non-selected node device to the selected node device.