Probing a Network

摘要

A method is described of probing a network route using a pairs of probe packets in which the first packets are typically smaller than the second. A first pair of probe packets with size ratio [L1/L2] and a second pair of probe packets with different size ratio [M1/M2] are transmitted onto a network route. An indicator of time taken for the second probe packet in the packet pairs to traverse the network route is derived and it is identified whether the values of the derived indicators vary or are substantially the same. The method, which can be used to probe home or domestic networks, indicates whether the first link in the route is or is not a bottleneck link, thereby providing further information about the route. A test apparatus, gateway device and computer to perform the method are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of probing a network route using a pair of probe packets comprising a first probe packet I1 with size L1 and a second probe packet I2 with size L2, and wherein L1 is smaller than or equal to L2, the method comprising:
transmitting the first pair of probe packets I1 and I2 back-to-back onto the network route, the pair of probe packets having a ratio [L1/L2]; transmitting onto the network route at least one further pair of probe packets back-to-back, m1 with size M1 and m2 with size M2, wherein M1 is smaller than or equal to M2 and further wherein the ratio [M1/M2] is different from the ratio [L1/L2]; deriving an indicator of the time taken for the second probe packet in the probe packet pairs to traverse the network route; and identifying whether the values of the derived indicators are either different or substantially the same.