Shared Counter Resources for Frame Loss Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring frame loss and frame loss ratio in Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) require a large number of counters, which is not scalable and exceeds the resource limitations of low-cost Network Processor Units (NPUs), leading to increased costs and customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sharing counter resources between priorities and EVCs, allowing for the calculation of frame loss and frame loss ratio using fewer counters, by designating one network element as a master to transmit and receive Loss Measurement Messages (LMMs) and Loss Measurement Replies (LMRs) to calculate these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate counters are allocated for each priority and EVC to measure frame loss, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple priority-specific counters into a single shared counter resource. The system combines frame counting functionality across different priorities and EVCs, using one counter to track total frames while deriving per-priority statistics through message exchange and calculation between network elements, thereby reducing counter resource requirements while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shared counter resource is designed to serve multiple priorities and EVCs simultaneously. A single counter infrastructure is made universal by enabling it to track frames for different priorities through collaborative measurement between network elements, allowing the same hardware resource to perform multiple measurement functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated counters
2Adaptability or versatility
If more counters are allocated to support more EVCs, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to exceeding NPU resource limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines counter resources across multiple EVCs and priorities into a shared pool. By merging previously separate counter allocations into a unified counter system that serves multiple EVCs through collaborative measurement, the network can support more virtual connections without proportionally increasing physical counter resources, thus preventing resource exhaustion while improving adaptability
3Measurement precision
If separate measurement systems are implemented for each priority, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single shared counter infrastructure serves multiple priorities and EVCs. This multi-functional approach allows the same counter resource to perform measurements across different priorities through automated message exchange between network elements, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration of separate counters while maintaining per-priority measurement precision through automated calculation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments including methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for calculating frame parameters for the purpose of measuring performance in a network based on the calculated frame parameters are disclosed. By automatically or manually provisioning at least two network elements in a star or other network topology to transmit and receive service frames (e.g., Loss Measurement Messages or Loss Measurement Responses), the embodiments enable network elements to share network resources, such as frame counters, thereby decreasing the number of frame counters needed to perform frame parameter measurements and increasing scalability for a given counter resource supported by a low cost network processor units.