Signature-Based Network Packet Latency Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring network packet latency are intrusive and can increase network bandwidth usage, affecting existing packet streams and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A signature-based latency extraction system that generates packet signatures (hash values) for packets within a network packet communication system, compares these signatures to identify matching packets, and calculates latency by comparing timestamps, allowing for non-intrusive measurement of latency values without increasing network bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct-timestamp method is used to measure latency, then latency measurement capability is improved, but network bandwidth usage increases and existing packet streams are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for latency measurement (packet signatures and timestamps) from the actual packet data. By comparing signatures of copied packets with original packets, the system measures latency without needing to forward or modify the complete packet streams, thus minimizing bandwidth consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses packet copying through TAPs (Test Access Points) to create duplicate packet streams for analysis. These copies are used to generate signatures and timestamps for latency calculation, while the original packet streams continue flowing through the network unaffected. This copying approach enables non-intrusive measurement that doesn't consume additional network bandwidth for the measured traffic.
2Measurement precision
If timing packets are sent to measure latency, then latency measurement capability is improved, but network bandwidth usage increases due to additional packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network packets themselves to carry the measurement information they need. By extracting signatures and timestamps from the packet data that is already being transmitted through the network, the system performs self-service measurement without requiring separate timing packets. This approach utilizes existing packet infrastructure to achieve latency measurement goals.
3Reliability
If packets are forwarded to diagnostic tools using hubs or TAPs, then network monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the latency measurement apparatus can monitor multiple packet streams simultaneously and perform various latency-related measurements (one-way latency, round-trip latency, jitter analysis). By designing a universal measurement platform that handles different packet types and measurement scenarios through a common signature-comparison mechanism, the system achieves high monitoring capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Signature-based latency extraction systems and related methods are disclosed for network packet communications. Disclosed embodiments generate packet signatures (e.g., hash values) for packets received with respect to points within a network. For each received packet, its packet signature is compared to packet signatures stored for previously received packets. If no match is found, the packet signature and a timestamp associated with the newly received packet are stored within one or more packet data tables. If a match is found, then the difference between the timestamp associated with the newly received packet and a timestamp stored with the matching packet signature are used to determine a latency value. The latency values can then be used to determine a variety of latency-related parameters for the network infrastructure being measured, and classification information can also be used to generate latency-related histograms. A variety of embodiments can be implemented.