Access Device Link Fragmentation Interleaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of link fragmentation and interleaving in Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) sessions, particularly with Multilink PPP (MLPPP), result in increased packet loss and reordering due to fragmentation and reassembly at the Network Server (LNS), leading to inefficiencies and higher processing overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing link fragmentation and interleaving at the Access Concentrator (LAC) instead of the Network Server, allowing for efficient fragmentation and reassembly of frames between the endpoint device and the LAC, and forwarding assembled frames through a tunneled connection, reducing packet loss and reordering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fragmentation and reassembly are performed at the Network Server (LNS), then the LAC can forward all PPP frames without knowledge of fragmentation status, but packet loss and reordering increase due to fragmentation and reassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new intermediary component called the Link Fragmentation and Interleaving (LFI) module that operates between the LAC and LNS. This LFI module performs fragmentation and reassembly operations locally at the LAC before frames are tunneled to the LNS, eliminating the need for the LNS to perform these operations and thereby reducing packet loss and reordering while maintaining LAC forwarding simplicity
2Extent of automation
If fragmentation and reassembly are performed at the Network Server (LNS), then processing can be centralized, but processing overhead increases and latency-sensitive applications suffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing fragmentation and reassembly operations at the LAC before frames are sent through the tunnel to the LNS. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for the LNS to perform these operations, thereby reducing processing overhead and latency for real-time applications while maintaining centralized processing capability through the LAC-LNS architecture
3Ease of operation
If all PPP frames are forwarded without fragmentation knowledge, then the LAC operation is simplified, but frames may be lost or reordered in the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an LFI module as an intermediary component that operates locally at the LAC. This module maintains awareness of frame fragmentation status and performs appropriate fragmentation and reassembly operations before tunneling frames to the LNS, thereby preventing frame loss and reordering while keeping the LAC forwarding operation simple
Data Source
AI summary
Link fragmentation and interleaving at an access device located between a point to point link and a tunneled connection is provided. A method of access device-based link fragmentation and interleaving is also provided. The method includes receiving frames through a tunnel from a network server, fragmenting at least some of the frames from the network server, and sending fragmented and unfragmented frames over a data link to an endpoint device. The frames may be multilink point to point protocol (MLPPP) frames and the frames may be received through a layer two tunneling protocol (L2TP) tunnel. The method can include scanning a frame for PPP options and removing options related to MLPPP negotiation and then forwarding the frame to a network server.