Patent ID: 7154858
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for determining latency of a selected path in a computer network having a plurality of network nodes, the computer network further including a first entity disposed at one end of the selected path and a second entity disposed at a second end of the selected path, the method comprising the steps of: utilizing at least one path state set-up message formulated by the first entity and passed to each network node along the selected path to establish a path state at each network node along the selected path for identifying a traffic flow having predefined parameters; implementing a source routing option to include in the path state setup message, the source routing option to provide a choice between strict source routing and loose source routing; forwarding messages matching the predefined parameters of the traffic flow to a next downstream network node along the selected path; generating a test message at the first entity, the test message addressed to the second entity and configured in accordance with the predefined parameters of the traffic flow; placing a time record in the test message; transmitting the test message from the first entity; in response to receiving the test message at each network node, forwarding the test message from the receiving network node to the next downstream network node along the selected path by virtue of the previously established path states; in response to receiving the test message at a last downstream network node along the selected path, forwarding the test message to the second entity by virtue of the previously established path states; and using the time record placed in the test message to determine the latency of the selected path.