Bidirectional Throughput Measurement Using Timestamp Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network throughput measurement methods are inefficient and prone to errors due to packet loss, especially when measuring bidirectional data transmission, as they often rely on pre-configured routes and lack accurate timestamp-based calculations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method using measurement message and measurement reply frames that include timestamps and octet/frame counts to calculate throughput, allowing for accurate bidirectional throughput measurements by determining time intervals and reducing the impact of packet loss through the use of ITU-T Recommendation Y.1731 loss measurement methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-configured routes are used for throughput measurement, then measurement setup is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to packet loss and routing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from relying on pre-configured route assumptions to using actual timestamp-based delivery time measurements. By measuring the actual time between packet transmission and delivery timestamps, the system obtains accurate throughput data regardless of routing path changes or packet loss, resolving the contradiction between easy setup and measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If packet loss measurement methods are not integrated, then throughput calculation is simpler, but measurement reliability deteriorates in lossy network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges throughput measurement and packet loss measurement into a single integrated process. By using the same timestamp exchange mechanism for both measurements, the system achieves reliable throughput calculation in lossy conditions without significantly increasing complexity. The packet loss information derived from timestamp comparisons directly contributes to accurate throughput measurement.
3Ease of operation
If bidirectional throughput is measured separately, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but overall network quality assessment becomes less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement mechanism that simultaneously handles bidirectional throughput measurement and network quality assessment. The timestamp exchange process between two nodes serves multiple functions: measuring forward throughput, measuring reverse throughput, assessing packet loss, and evaluating overall network quality, all through a single integrated process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a first node configured to couple to a second node, wherein the first node is further configured to exchange a plurality of timestamps recording transmission times and at least one of a plurality of octet counts and a plurality of frame counts with the second node to perform throughput measurements, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of octet counts and the plurality of frame counts correspond to a packet flow between the first node and the second node and are used to calculate throughput for the packet flow based on a time interval of the exchanged at least one of the plurality of octet counts and the plurality of frame counts that is determined using the timestamps.