Abstraction Data Link Layer for Multi-Interface Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network stack layouts in communication devices require applications to manage different connections over various physical interfaces, leading to inefficiencies such as socket closure and re-establishment when moving out of WLAN range, and existing solutions like MPTCP and IEEE 1905.1 are limited in flexibility and compatibility across different protocols and environments.
Innovation Solution
A network stack with an abstraction data link layer that provides a single interface to higher layers, using a neutral packet distribution scheme for load balancing and forwarding, which can operate across various data link layer protocols without specific knowledge of underlying protocols, allowing for probabilistic, rule-based, or TDMA-based distribution of packets across multiple physical interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional network stack layout is used where applications manage different connections over different physical interfaces, then the application has direct control over each interface, but the complexity of connection management increases and socket closure/re-establishment occurs when moving between network coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the application and multiple physical interfaces that automatically manages connection handover. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of managing multiple interfaces while maintaining continuous network connectivity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple physical interfaces into a unified logical interface that presents a single connection endpoint to the application. By merging the management of multiple interfaces behind a single abstraction, the system maintains connection continuity during handover while keeping the application interface simple.
2Reliability
If MPTCP protocol is used to provide a single network socket abstracting multiple TCP connections, then connection continuity is improved during handover, but the protocol complexity increases and both endpoints must support the protocol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary layer that implements the complex multi-path logic without requiring the application or remote endpoint to support specialized protocols like MPTCP. This mediator handles connection management and handover transparently, achieving connection continuity while avoiding the complexity of universal protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of network connections through the intermediary layer, allowing multiple physical paths to be abstracted as a single logical connection. This copying approach enables handover without requiring the remote endpoint to understand or support the underlying multi-path mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IEEE 1905.1 abstraction layer is used with unique EUI-48 address, then a persistent address is provided across multiple interfaces, but the standard is limited to specific protocols and flow-based forwarding rules are not optimal for dynamically changing wireless environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal abstraction layer that works with multiple data link layer protocols without being restricted to specific standards like IEEE 1905.1. This multi-functional approach maintains protocol versatility while enabling more adaptive forwarding mechanisms suitable for dynamic wireless environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic forwarding rules that can adapt to changing network conditions in real-time, unlike the static flow-based rules in IEEE 1905.1. This dynamic approach optimizes network performance in wireless environments where channel conditions change frequently, while maintaining compatibility with multiple protocols.
4Ease of operation
If flow-based forwarding rules are used in IEEE 1905.1, then data forwarding is managed based on classification, but detailed knowledge of underlying MAC protocols is required and interaction between layers increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary forwarding layer that manages data forwarding without requiring detailed knowledge of underlying MAC protocols. This mediator handles the complexity of protocol-specific details while providing simple, protocol-agnostic forwarding rules, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for providing network access by a network stack in a communication device comprising a plurality of physical communication interfaces, each comprising a data link layer for the exchange of data frames with remote communication devices and a data link layer interface for exchanging data of data frames between the data link layer and higher layers in the network stack; and wherein the method comprises i) providing an abstraction data link layer comprising a single abstracted data link layer interface such that the plurality of physical communication interfaces appear as a single data link layer interface to the higher layers; and ii) obtaining network packets from the higher layers and distributing the network packets over the plurality of physical communication interfaces according to a neutral packet distribution scheme.