UDP Network Quality Measurement via Timeout Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring data network quality, such as Iperf and rfc792, are limited in their ability to effectively assess network performance using connection-less transmission protocols, particularly in measuring asymmetric network load and detecting lost packets.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a client-server approach with UDP/IP protocol, where the client sends data packets with timestamps and payloads, and the server responds with modified packets and timeout packets to measure round-trip time, latency, and packet loss, enabling the calculation of bandwidth and outage detection, while allowing configuration via TCP/IP for guaranteed data reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connection-less transmission protocol (UDP/IP) is used for network measurement, then measurement capability for asymmetric network load is improved, but reliability of data packet delivery deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability for asymmetric network loadVSAvoidreliability of data packet delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server sends timeout packets to the client when no data packets are received within a predefined time period. This feedback mechanism allows the client to detect lost packets by comparing expected versus received timeout packets, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while using connection-less UDP/IP protocol for asymmetric network load measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If timeout packets are sent to detect lost packets, then detection capability of lost packets is improved, but network traffic overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capability of lost packetsVSAvoidnetwork traffic overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The server sends timeout packets only partially - specifically when no data packets are received within a predefined timeout period. This conditional approach provides sufficient packet loss detection capability while avoiding excessive timeout packets that would unnecessarily increase network traffic overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If configuration data is sent via connection-oriented protocol (TCP/IP), then reliability of configuration reception is improved, but measurement capability using connection-less protocol deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of configuration receptionVSAvoidmeasurement capability using connection-less protocol

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication into two distinct phases: configuration phase using TCP/IP for reliable parameter transmission, and measurement phase using UDP/IP for actual network quality measurement. This segmentation allows each protocol to be used for its strengths while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7453820B2System and method for measuring data network quality

Publication Date: 2008.11.18 KONINK KPN NV

AI summary

A system and method for measuring quality of a data network and specifically through use of a client computer and a server computer communicating with each other, over the network, using a connection-less transmission protocol.