Telecom Network Element Throughput Measurement via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks lack accurate methods to determine throughput and data loss across communication links, particularly in E-UTRAN and UTRAN architectures, where existing techniques fail to provide a true indication of quality due to limitations in GTP protocols and measurement methodologies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving Echo Request and Echo Response messages with parameters like 'rxbytes', 'txbytes', and 'txtime' is employed to enable network elements to accurately determine actual throughput and data loss by logging and exchanging data transmission metrics between nodes, allowing for true quality assessment of communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If throughput is measured locally at the source node by measuring the amount of data transmitted per second, then the measurement is simple to perform, but it does not indicate true throughput as the data may not actually reach the target node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the target node measures the actual amount of data received and sends this information back to the source node. This allows the source node to compare transmitted data volume with received data volume, enabling accurate throughput measurement while maintaining simple local measurements at both nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where the target node acts as a mediator by measuring received data and providing feedback information. This intermediary role enables accurate end-to-end throughput measurement without requiring complex measurement systems at the source node alone.
2Measurement precision
If throughput is measured at the target node by determining the amount of data received per second, then the measurement reflects actual received data, but it does not indicate what amount was actually transmitted from the source node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback to transfer information about transmitted data from the source node to the target node. The target node receives both the actual received data measurement and the transmitted data information through feedback, enabling complete throughput assessment without information loss.
3Reliability
If IPsec security is used to achieve secure signalling on S1 and X2 interfaces, then security is improved, but delay increases and throughput may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security function into a separate Security Gateway (SEGW) component that handles encryption/decryption independently. This extraction allows the core data transmission path to operate with minimal security-related delay while maintaining security through the dedicated SEGW processing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If GTP tunnels are used for user plane data transport over IP networks, then data transport capability is improved, but throughput and data loss information becomes unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the GTP tunnel architecture where network elements report throughput and data loss information back through the control plane. This allows the versatile GTP data transport to maintain visibility into performance metrics through systematic feedback collection and reporting.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for determining throughput and data loss between a first network element of a telecommunications network and a second network element of that network. The first and second network elements may include, but are not limited to, a radio base station, a SAE-GW, an RNC, an SGSN or a GGSN, depending on the type of telecommunications network in which the method is employed. Data is exchanged between the first and second network elements in a manner that enables each of the first and second network elements to determine a true value of throughput and/or data loss for a communication link between the first and second network elements.