Timestamped Packet Analysis for Network Measurement Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications networks face challenges in reliably measuring operational characteristics of packet switching, such as packet loss and delay, due to the lack of effective methods for synchronized timestamp-based analysis across network nodes, which affects compliance with Service Level Agreements and network performance understanding.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending time-stamped packets between network nodes, recording operational characteristics within synchronized timeframes, and analyzing these characteristics to determine metrics like packet loss, jitter, and delay, without requiring synchronized clocks, using a controller node to initiate measurements and filter packets for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If packet switching technology is used to increase network speed and capacity, then network performance improves, but reliable measurement of operational characteristics such as packet loss and delay deteriorates due to lack of synchronized timestamp-based analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting timestamps into packets at the source node before packets traverse the network. This pre-established time reference enables accurate measurement of operational characteristics like packet loss and delay without requiring clock synchronization between network nodes, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling high-speed packet switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses timestamps as an intermediary element carried within packets to transfer time reference information across the network. This intermediary mechanism allows the source node's time reference to be preserved and used for measurements at destination nodes without requiring synchronized clocks, resolving the contradiction between fast packet switching and accurate measurement
2Device complexity
If traditional measurement methods are used without timestamp-based analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of Service Level Agreement compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having packets carry their own timestamp information inserted at the source node. Each packet essentially measures its own transmission characteristics by comparing its timestamp with arrival time or by having the source node track sent versus received packets with matching timestamps, eliminating the need for complex synchronized clock infrastructure while ensuring reliable Service Level Agreement compliance
3Measurement precision
If clock synchronization is implemented across network nodes, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time reference information from the network nodes' local clocks and concentrates it at the source node only. By taking out the synchronization requirement from the distributed network nodes and centralizing timestamp generation at the source, the patent achieves measurement precision without the complexity of maintaining synchronized clocks across multiple nodes
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, operations analysis of packet groups identified based on timestamps is performed. One embodiment includes sending a plurality of sent timeframe groups of a plurality of time-stamped packets from a first packet network node towards a second packet network node in a network and recording first information associated with each of the plurality of said sent timeframe groups of the plurality of time-stamped packets. The second network node receives a plurality of received timeframe groups of a received plurality of time-stamped packets of said sent plurality of time-stamped packets and recording second information associated with each of the plurality of said received timeframe groups of the received plurality of time-stamped packets. Operations analysis based on one or more operations characteristics of said first information and said second information to produce analysis results.