Analysis of network performance

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing network performance in relation to a network portion comprising a group of nodes. The method may comprise: obtaining probe measurements in respect of a plurality of target nodes in the group, respective probe measurements each resulting from a probe test-message being sent via a network path from a testing node to a target node and an associated probe response-message triggered by receipt and local processing at the respective target node of the probe test-message being received via a path from the respective target node by the testing node, the respective probe measurements relating to a network performance characteristic in respect of the paths taken by the respective probe test-messages and the probe response-messages associated therewith and being dependent also on the local processing of the respective probe test-messages at the respective target nodes; comparing probe measurements obtained in respect of different target nodes in the group, and in dependence on the comparison, assigning a weighting in respect of at least one of the nodes; and determining a network performance analysis measure in relation to the network portion according to a predetermined function dependent on the probe measurements and on the weighting.