Timing Analyzer for Packet Stream Offset Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks, particularly those using circuit emulation service (CES) circuits like T1 or E1, timing issues are difficult to debug without invasive methods, leading to potential network outages due to unpredictable failures such as incorrect configuration or congestion, which can cause far-end circuit failures.
Innovation Solution
A timing analyzer is implemented in network devices to provide timing analysis by generating arrival timestamps stored in a FIFO buffer, calculating offsets, and generating reports on-demand, allowing for non-invasive identification of timing-related issues before network failures occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive debugging techniques are used to identify timing problems, then the root cause can be ascertained, but network service outage occurs to all connected customers
Solution Approach 1:
A timing analyzer is introduced as an intermediary component that monitors and analyzes timing characteristics of data packets without interfering with normal network traffic flow. The analyzer captures timing information from passing packets and generates reports, enabling precise timing problem detection while maintaining uninterrupted network service to all customers.
2Measurement precision
If timing analysis is performed without timestamp buffering, then the system is simpler, but timing offset calculation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
Timestamps are captured and stored in a buffer in advance before timing offset calculations are performed. This preliminary action of buffering timestamps enables the system to accumulate sufficient timing data and perform accurate offset calculations by comparing timestamps from different time points, while the buffer management follows a simple FIFO (first-in-first-out) principle that minimizes complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time timing monitoring is implemented, then timing problems can be detected early, but additional network device functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
The timing analyzer is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated component: capturing packet timestamps, storing timestamps in buffers, calculating timing offsets, generating timing reports, and alerting operators to potential failures. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive real-time timing monitoring and early problem detection while consolidating the required functionality into one device rather than requiring separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device such as a router or switch, in one embodiment, includes a timing analyzer which is capable of providing timing analysis over one or more network circuits. The timing analyzer, in one aspect, receives a data packet traveling across a circuit emulation service (“CES”) circuit such as T1 or E1 circuit. Upon obtaining an arrival timestamp associated with the data packet, the arrival timestamp is stored in a timestamp buffer in accordance with a first-in first-out (“FIFO”) storage sequence. After identifying the oldest arrival timestamp in the timestamp buffer, an offset is generated based on the result of comparison between the arrival timestamp and the oldest timestamp. The timing analyzer can also be configured to generate timing reports on-demand based on generated offset(s).