Abstract: Existing algorithms for measuring the network bottleneck bandwidth are mostly based on the packet pair model.Intrinsic error exists in packet pair model due to the effect of data link layer and physical layer. Incorrect results result due to the filter algorithm with a heavy network load.To resolve these problems, a new model called packet tetrad model is proposed.Because of the difference relation between the two packet pairs in a packet tetrad, disturbance in the data link layer and the physical layer may be eliminated.The packet tetrad model has a high accuracy in measurement.Results of simulated measurements under the ns-2 environment and the actual measurements of networks show that the packet tetrad mode is more accurate and robust than the packet pair model.

Key words: measurement model, bandwidth measurement, bottleneck bandwidth, packet pair