Timestamping packets in a network

摘要

Techniques are presented herein to facilitate latency measurements in a networking environment. A first network device receives a packet for transport within a network domain that comprises a plurality of network devices. The plurality of network devices have a common time reference, that is, they are time synchronized. The first network device generates timestamp information indicating time of arrival of the packet at the first network device. The first network device inserts into the packet a tag that comprises at least a first subfield and a second subfield. The first subfield comprising a type indicator to signify to other network devices in the network domain that the tag includes timestamp information, and the second subfield includes the timestamp information. The first network device sends the packet from to into the network domain to another network device. Other network devices which receive that packet can make latency measurements.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a packet at a first network device for transport within a network domain that comprises a plurality of network devices, wherein the plurality of network devices have a common time reference, and wherein the first network device is at an ingress edge of the network domain for the packet, wherein the packet is received at the network device from outside of the network domain; generating, by the first network device, timestamp information indicating time of arrival of the packet within the network domain; inserting into the packet a tag that comprises at least a first subfield and a second subfield, the first subfield comprising a type indicator to signify to other network devices in the network domain that the tag includes timestamp information data, and the second subfield includes the timestamp information, wherein the timestamp information is configured to be used by each device in the network domain that receives the packet as an indication of when the packet entered the network domain; and sending the packet from the first network device to another network device in the network domain.