BR-102025006574-A2 - SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LATENCY MONITORING
Abstract
Some modalities refer to systems and methods for low-latency monitoring. A communication system may include an application operating on the first device. The application is configured to attach timestamps to the first packet received by the first device. The timestamps indicate a first time the first packet is received by the first device and a second time the first packet is sent by the first device.
Inventors
- RAJESH SHANKARRAO MAMIDWAR
- Sherman Chen
- VICTOR T HOU
Assignees
- AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE. LIMITED
Dates
- Publication Date
- 20260310
- Application Date
- 20250402
- Priority Date
- 20240425
Claims (20)
- 1. Server, characterized in that it comprises: a first application configured to monitor end-to-end latency for a network comprising devices, wherein the first application is configured to receive latency information from at least one of the devices, the latency information comprising timestamps or time period data for a packet to be communicated along a device or a link.
- 2. Server, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first application is configured to receive latency information from a second application, the second application operating on a first device, the second application being configured to attach timestamps to a first packet received by the first device, the timestamps indicating a first time that the first packet is received by the first device and a second time that the first packet is sent by the first device.
- 3. Server, according to claim 2, characterized in that the first application is configured to determine the latency information associated with communication through the first device using timestamps, the timestamps comprising a first timestamp for the first time and a second timestamp for the second time.
- 4. Server, according to claim 2, characterized in that the second application is configured to provide a second packet including latency information and communicate the second packet to the server via a virtual communication link.
- 5. Server, according to claim 2, characterized in that the timestamps are associated with a path comprising one or more of an access point, a modem, a headend, cloud switches or the internet.
- 6. Server, according to claim 2, characterized in that the first packet is for use in a low-latency operation.
- 7. Server, according to claim 1, characterized in that the timestamps are derived from a satellite time source, a DOCSIS timer, a WiFi timer, or a device-free running clock.
- 8. Server according to claim 1, characterized in that the latency information comprises a history of timestamps.
- 9. Server, according to claim 4, characterized in that the second packet comprises timestamps from different devices, wherein the devices are part of an internet service provider infrastructure.
- 10. A non-transient, computer-readable medium characterized in that it has instructions stored within it which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: receive a first packet from a first node, the first packet comprising latency information associated with a second packet provided to the first node for a low-latency application; and provide a subscription offer in response to the latency information, wherein the first node is part of a communication system comprising a cable, fiber optic or wireless network, wherein the other nodes and the first node are in the path associated with the second packet provided to the first node for the low-latency application.
- 11. Non-transient, computer-readable medium according to claim 10, characterized in that the processor is located on a remote server from the first node.
- 12. Non-transient, computer-readable medium according to claim 11, characterized in that the server is in communication with the internet service provider's infrastructure and the first packet is provided to a remote server.
- 13. Non-transient, computer-readable medium according to claim 10, characterized in that the first packet is provided by the internet service provider's infrastructure, a decoder, a cable modem, an optical network unit, a passive optical network modem, an optical line terminal, a cable modem termination system, a digital subscriber line access multiplexer, a digital subscriber line modem, or a wireless router.
- 14. A non-transient, computer-readable medium according to claim 10, characterized in that the instructions cause the processor to: provide a fourth packet to the first node or other nodes to lower the priority for packets for the low-latency application if the latency information indicates that a latency threshold for the low-latency application has been met and that additional bandwidth is available.
- 15. Non-transient, computer-readable medium according to claim 10, characterized in that the latency information comprises a user identification.
- 16. Method for providing low latency service, the method characterized in that it comprises: providing a first timestamp for a first packet provided to a first device, the first packet being for reception by a low latency device or being for use in a low latency operation; and providing a second packet containing latency information to a remote server from the first device via a virtual communication link.
- 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises: providing a second timestamp for the first package provided to the first device.
- 18. Method, according to claim 17, characterized in that the first timestamp is an entry timestamp and the second timestamp is an exit timestamp.
- 19. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first device comprises an application configured to attach the first timestamp to the first package.
- 20. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first device comprises internet service provider infrastructure, a decoder, a cable modem, an optical network unit, a passive optical network modem, an optical line terminal, a cable modem termination system, a digital subscriber line access multiplexer, a digital subscriber line modem, or a wireless router.
Description
Dissemination Field [001] This disclosure generally refers to communication systems and methods, including but not limited to communications associated with Internet service provider (ISP) networks, cable modems, gigabit passive optical networking (GPON) devices, set-top boxes, televisions, user devices, Ethernet network devices, and/or wireless devices. Some embodiments of the disclosure relate to latency-related monitoring, analysis, and/or optimization for such communications. Background to the Disclosure [002] Latency issues in communications between a home network and an ISP can lead to various challenges and disruptions in internet connectivity and user experience, especially for evolving low-latency uses, including but not limited to video conferencing, cloud gaming, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, and metaverse applications. [003] ISPs are companies that provide internet access to individuals and businesses. ISPs typically own, lease, and manage a network infrastructure that connects users to the internet. This infrastructure may include various components such as data centers, routers, switches, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables. ISPs obtain internet connectivity from larger networks, such as backbone providers or internet exchange points (IXPs), and distribute communication services to their customers. [004] Latency can be associated with one or more parties (e.g., cloud providers, ISPs, application developers, and silicon providers) and one or more devices and networks, including but not limited to ISP networks, cable modems, GPON devices, set-top boxes, WiFi networks, Ethernet networks, access networks, backbone networks, and cloud infrastructure. To support internet speeds, ISPs are using data communications in larger bursts, which generally require larger buffers at each node. Larger bursts/buffers can increase communication latencies. [005] Latency can manifest as slow response times (e.g., when loading web pages, streaming videos, or downloading files), reduced quality of real-time applications (e.g., low-latency applications that rely on real-time communication, such as video conferencing, Voice over IP (VoIP) calls, and online games), buffering and interruptions in streaming, unstable connections, adverse impact on cloud-based services (e.g., file storage, email, and productivity tools, affecting productivity and efficiency), increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, and limited capacity for interactive applications (e.g., limiting the effectiveness of interactive applications that require real-time user input, such as online collaborative tools, virtual classrooms, and remote desktop applications). High latency can result in unstable video/audio playback, slow conversations, and delayed reactions in online games, resulting in a poor user experience and communication difficulties. High latency can result in data packets arriving out of order or delayed, leading to playback pauses and degradation of streaming quality. High latency can give attackers more time to exploit security vulnerabilities and launch malicious attacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. Brief Description of the Drawings [006] Several objects, aspects, attributes and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, similar reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements. [007] FIG. 1 is a general schematic block diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments; FIG. 2 is a general schematic block diagram of a portion of the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments; FIG. 3 is a general schematic block diagram of applications in communication with cloud infrastructure for the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments; FIG. 4 is a general schematic flow diagram of an operation for the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments; FIG. 5 is a general schematic flow diagram of an operation for the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments; and FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1, including a server configured for augmented reality/virtual reality and/or metaverse applications according to some embodiments. [008] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 showing operations using precision time protocol (PTP) according to some modes; FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram for the communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 showing operations for monitoring and/or control according to some modes. [009] Details of various embodiments of the method