Multicast-based inference of temporal delay characteristics in packet data networks

摘要

Disclosed are method and apparatus for characterizing the temporal delay characteristics of a packet data network by multicast-based inference. Multicast probes are transmitted from a source node to a plurality of receiver nodes, which record the delays of the multicast probes. From the aggregate data comprising recorded delays of the end-to-end paths from the source node to each receiver node, temporal delay characteristics of individual links within the network may be calculated. In a network with a tree topology, the complexity of calculations may be reduced through a process of subtree partitioning.