Time domain analysis for the packet loss and bit error distribution in high-speed network

Abstract

The frame error at the data link layer in high-speed optical access network was investigated. The Gigabit Ethernet test bed was established including a network tester, a variable optical attenuator, optical link and a purpose-built tool which allows us to examine errors on a per-octet basis. The test bed transmits pre-constructed test data frames in a standard format and captures error-containing frames for purpose-built tool and statistical tool later analysis. From the experiment results we find that bit error, fragments and extra-bit frame all lead to frame error, resulting in packet loss in high-speed optical network. The distributions of frame error, byte error and extra-bit frame are distinct on the different attenuation conditions and the same happens with different frame lengths. We also find that regardless of the extra-bit frame effect, the packet loss and bit error obey the Poisson distribution in the different parameters, and that the distribution of extra-bit frame varies depending on the length of the frames transmitted.