Adaptive Packet Data Transfer Using Path Feedback and Algorithm Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data transfer over packet-switched networks is hindered by bandwidth contention and line errors, leading to reduced throughput and packet loss, which conventional higher-level protocols are unable to effectively mitigate.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive data transfer system that utilizes a transfer monitor and packetizer on media servers to select and configure communication paths and data transfer algorithms based on historical transfer records, dynamically adjusting to optimize throughput and error correction according to real-time network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional higher-level protocols (UDP/TCP) are used for data transfer over packet-switched networks, then basic communication functionality is provided, but reliability is reduced due to bandwidth contention and line errors causing packet loss and throughput degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddata throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively selecting communication paths and configuring transfer algorithms before data transfer begins. The transfer monitor analyzes historical transfer records and current network conditions to pre-optimize the data transfer setup, thereby improving reliability and throughput before actual transmission occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic adaptation by continuously monitoring transfer characteristics and adjusting communication path selection and algorithm configuration in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to changing network conditions, maintaining optimal reliability and throughput performance throughout the data transfer process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication paths are available for data transfer, then adaptability and fault tolerance are improved, but path selection complexity and decision-making overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication path adaptabilityVSAvoidpath selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer monitor implements feedback mechanisms by analyzing historical transfer records and current transfer characteristics to inform path selection decisions. This feedback-driven approach enables intelligent adaptability across multiple communication paths while managing complexity through data-driven decision-making rather than exhaustive evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting communication paths and configuring transfer algorithms based on monitored performance data. This automation reduces the need for manual configuration and complex external control, allowing the system to adaptively manage multiple paths with reduced operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8090870B2Method and system for adaptive data transfer over packet networks
Publication Date: 2012.01.03 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • US8090870B2 patent drawing
  • US8090870B2 patent drawing
  • US8090870B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method for adaptive data transfer over packet networks. The method comprises selecting a first communication path for transferring the data to the second computer, starting to transfer the data over the first communication path to the second computer, monitoring transfer characteristics of the first communication path related to the data transfer, storing the transfer characteristics associated with the first communication path in a database, comparing the transfer characteristics against one or more previously stored transfer characteristics related to one or more prior data transfers, and determining whether to alter a transfer algorithm being utilized for transferring the data to the second computer based on the comparing.