UDP Packet Loss Estimation for TCP Throughput in Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access networks, such as DSL and Wi-Fi, are prone to performance variations due to uncontrolled radio/propagation environments and lack effective continuous monitoring solutions, making it challenging to diagnose and correct performance degradation issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for continuous access network monitoring and packet loss estimation using UDP packet loss to estimate TCP throughput, which interprets packet loss rates into user experience metrics and diagnoses link layer problems, employing adaptive probing to minimize interference and accurately estimate packet loss probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring of access network is implemented, then network performance degradation can be detected and corrected timely, but device complexity and data sharing barriers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring by deploying lightweight agents on customer premises equipment that autonomously collect network performance data and communicate with the service provider's analysis system. This eliminates the need for complex centralized monitoring infrastructure while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data collection agent that acts as a mediator between the customer premises equipment and the service provider's monitoring system. This agent simplifies the architecture by handling local data collection and transmission, reducing the complexity at the service provider end.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If PHY layer performance data is collected continuously, then network issues can be identified, but data sharing reluctance and lack of standard interfaces prevent effective utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where performance data collected from customer premises is analyzed and used to generate actionable insights. The service provider receives feedback information about network conditions and can take corrective actions, creating a closed-loop system that improves network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw PHY layer performance parameters into higher-level network performance indicators and user experience metrics. This parameter transformation makes the data more meaningful and actionable, overcoming the barrier of raw data availability by presenting processed insights that are easier to interpret and act upon.
3Measurement precision
If packet loss estimation uses aggressive probing, then measurement precision improves, but network interference and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the probing intensity based on current network conditions and historical data. The agent modifies packet loss estimation parameters in real-time to achieve accurate measurements while minimizing network interference, creating an adaptive probing mechanism that balances precision and overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic packet loss estimation at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous aggressive probing. The agent uses historical data and network conditions to schedule estimation cycles, achieving sufficient measurement precision while reducing overall network overhead and interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method for estimating throughput between first and second communication devices, the method comprising: determining maximum bottleneck throughput of a communication link between the first communication device and a third communication device, wherein the communication link between the first and third communication devices applies a common access network as between a communication link between the first and second communication devices; determining Round Trip Time (RTT) between the first and second communication devices; transmitting packet by applying User Datagram Protocol (UDP) from the third communication device to the first communication device; measuring packet loss rate associated with the transmitted packet by monitoring sequence number of the packet; and translating measured packet loss rate to Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) throughput according to maximum bottleneck throughput and RTT.