TCP Half-Close Network Measurement Without Dedicated Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying reflector devices in a network for performance measurement is costly and complex, especially when physical access is limited, and existing active performance measurement techniques require network configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
Leverage existing network entities that support TCP, utilizing the TCP Half-Close feature to insert timestamp information in frames, enabling them to act as reflectors for performance measurement without additional device deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated reflector devices are deployed in the network for performance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing network entities (routers, switches, servers) perform multiple functions: their original networking functions plus the additional function of acting as reflectors for performance measurement. This is achieved by leveraging existing TCP protocol capabilities and timestamp fields in these devices, eliminating the need for dedicated reflector hardware while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If reflector devices are deployed throughout the network, then network performance measurement coverage is improved, but loss of time and resources for installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing network entities serve themselves by performing both their original networking function and the additional measurement reflection function. The devices use their own existing timestamp capabilities and protocol handling to generate measurement data, eliminating the need for external deployment teams to install and configure dedicated reflector devices at multiple network locations.
3Measurement precision
If new service devices are installed for performance measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but productivity of network operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing network entities to perform dual functions: their primary networking/service function and the secondary function of performance measurement reflection. By utilizing existing TCP timestamp fields and protocol mechanisms, the solution avoids deploying separate measurement devices that would compete for network resources and reduce overall operational productivity.
4Reliability
If physical access is required for reflector deployment, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution leverages the inherent capabilities of existing network entities that are already deployed and operational. These devices naturally possess the necessary timestamping and protocol handling capabilities required for measurement, eliminating the need for physical access to install additional hardware. The measurement functionality is activated through software/configuration changes on devices that are already accessible through standard network management channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to obtain network performance measurements without having to deploy a reflector device in a network. The method involves generating at a first device, a first frame according to a feature of a networking protocol, wherein the first frame is generated by inserting timestamp information indicating a departure time of the first frame into each of a first field and a second field of a header of the first frame. The first device sends the first frame to a network entity in a network. The first frame is configured to cause the network entity to send, in reply to the first frame, a second frame according to the feature of the networking protocol. The second frame includes timestamp information in either a first field or a second field of a header of the second frame. The first device receives the second frame and derives a network performance metric.