Network latency prediction using high accuracy prediction tree

Abstract

Network latency is often used as an optimization parameter for network path construction over the Internet for various real-time applications. This paper proposes a high accuracy prediction tree method for latency estimation minimizing the need for intrusive mesh measurements. The network overlay of communication nodes is represented as a tree structure, called a prediction tree, with the latency of unmeasured network links predicted based on selected measured network links. We describe three novel heuristics that are the foundations of this high accuracy prediction tree, assisted by optimal target node selection and elimination of imprecise prediction steps. We have examined the proposed method based on publicly available data to ensure accuracy of high precision latency estimation process. Experiment results show that with 50% measurement, our proposed algorithm obtains 82% accuracy of latency prediction over a 120-node network.