Source Routing for Network Path Performance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network routing technologies fail to effectively identify and utilize the best path between a source and a destination due to performance degradations such as delays, jitter, and packet loss, which are not adequately addressed by current service level agreement (SLA) parameters.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending probe packets on multiple paths between a source and a destination, where each intermediate node augments the packet with timestamps and addresses, allowing for the determination of network characteristics like jitter and delays, and selecting the path with the highest SLA performance by comparing these metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional routing is used to select paths, then routing decisions are made based on basic metrics, but network performance degradation due to delays, jitter, and packet loss is not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where intermediate nodes return measurement data about path performance (delays, jitter, packet loss) to the source node. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and evaluation of SLA parameters, allowing the system to identify performance degradation and select alternative paths based on real-time measurements rather than static routing metrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary path measurement and characterization before actual data transmission occurs. By proactively sending probe packets and measuring SLA parameters across multiple paths in advance, the system builds a database of path performance information that can be used to make informed routing decisions when actual traffic needs to be transmitted, avoiding reactive responses to performance issues.
2Reliability
If multiple paths are measured and evaluated, then the best path can be identified based on SLA parameters, but measurement overhead and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses probe packets as simplified copies or representations of actual data traffic. These probe packets carry measurement information and traverse the network paths without requiring full-scale replication of production traffic. By measuring path characteristics using these lightweight probe packets, the system obtains accurate SLA parameter data while avoiding the complexity and overhead of monitoring actual data flows in detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the path measurement function into discrete components: probe packet generation at the source, intermediate node processing with timestamps, and measurement data aggregation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall measurement system by dividing the complex task of path characterization into manageable segments that can be handled by standard network infrastructure elements.
3Reliability
If path measurement data is collected and analyzed, then SLA parameter comparisons can be made to select optimal paths, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs path measurement and SLA parameter calculation in advance before actual data transmission occurs. By pre-characterizing multiple paths and storing their performance metrics, the system eliminates the need for real-time measurement during data flow, significantly reducing path selection time when actual traffic needs to be routed while still achieving accurate performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures and evaluates more paths than the minimum required for optimal selection. By collecting SLA parameter data across multiple alternative paths and maintaining this measurement data for future reference, the system ensures that when path selection is needed, the optimal path can be quickly identified from pre-measured options rather than performing exhaustive measurements at the moment of decision, reducing real-time processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a first packet that has a first payload. The first payload identifies a first path between endpoints traversed by the first packet, and identifying information associated with a first node associated with the first path traversed by the first packet. The identifying information includes an arrival time that identifies approximately when the first packet arrived at the first node and a leaving time that identifies approximately when the first packet left the first node. A first service level agreement (SLA) parameter of the first path is determined by analyzing the arrival time and the leaving time, comparing the first SLA parameter with a second SLA parameter associated with a second path traversed by a second probe packet, and selecting the first path for sending packets if the first SLA parameter indicates a higher SLA level than indicated by the second SLA parameter.