PTPv2-Based Network Load Estimation and Its Application to QoE Monitoring for Over-the-Top Services

The recently-standardized Precision Time Protocol v2 (PTPv2) aims at achieving sub-microsecond-level synchronization between network clocks. In this work, we make the case for an alternative use of it: Adopting a learning approach, we observe its delay behavior during the protocol message exchange, derive models of its dependence on network load and build a real-time load estimation service. Then, as an application scenario of this service, we turn our attention to the provision of Over-the-Top (OTT) services. In such an environment, and assuming a level of cooperation between the ISP and the OTT provider, we demonstrate how our service can be used for estimating user experience for web applications. To this end, we establish quantitatively the link between network load and user experience using a state-of-the-art web QoE monitoring framework, and show how our PTPv2-based load estimation scheme can be integrated in an OTT service architecture and be utilized for load-aware, QoE-optimized content delivery decisions.