TCP Proxy Latency Certification via Certified Timestamps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network technologies lack a tamper-proof mechanism to provide accurate and consistent latency information, which is crucial for maintaining fair and reliable user experiences in time-sensitive applications, such as gaming and online trading, where latency inconsistencies can lead to inaccurate transaction orders or unfair advantages.

Innovation Solution

A latency certification service is implemented using a latency monitoring agent installed at the network edge, which includes a dedicated TCP proxy for each data session, adding certified timestamps to packets to prevent spoofing and ensure consistent latency, leveraging edge computing and precise timing sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If end devices provide timing information, then latency measurement is simple, but the timing information can be tampered with and is unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementing latency measurementVSAvoidreliability of latency information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary that generates certified timestamps for data packets. This mediator sits between the end devices and provides authoritative timing information that cannot be tampered with by either endpoint, thus maintaining reliability while keeping the implementation feasible through standard network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/trust-based timing system at end devices with a cryptographic verification system. Network devices sign timestamps with digital certificates, and end devices verify these signatures, substituting physical trust mechanisms with cryptographic proof that ensures timing information cannot be spoofed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If network devices add certified timestamps to packets, then latency spoofing is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of latency informationVSAvoidcomplexity of network infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having network devices obtain digital certificates from certificate authorities before engaging in timestamp certification. This pre-configuration of trust relationships enables straightforward timestamp generation and verification without complex real-time negotiations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of timing information from unverified device-generated timestamps to cryptographically-signed network-device timestamps. This parameter change from simple time values to signed time certificates increases reliability while the signing process, though adding some complexity, uses standardized cryptographic operations that are manageable with modern hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11438805B2System and method for latency certification service

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Systems and methods provide a latency certification service. One or more network devices in an application service layer network receive a service request for a latency certification service and instantiate a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) proxy for a data session between an application server device and a user equipment (UE) device. The one or more network devices obtain a digital certificate for the TCP proxy. The one or more network devices receive, at the TCP proxy, a data packet from the UE device; apply a certified timestamp to the data packet to form a certified timestamped data packet; and forward the certified timestamped data packet to the application server device.