Adaptive Retransmission Timeout for Network Latency Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network communication protocols like TCP/IP suffer from increased latency due to the use of static retransmission timers, which can lead to delayed data transmissions in congested networks, as they retransmit the same request without adapting to varying response times.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive determination of dynamic initial timeout values based on historical response times allows for the transmission of a new, distinct request when the initial request times out, reducing latency by dynamically adjusting the timer values and sending a fresh connection request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static fixed retransmission timer value is used, then the protocol implementation is simple and reliable, but the latency increases in congested networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed timer value to a dynamic adaptive timer value. The timer is continuously adjusted based on feedback from network conditions and response times, allowing it to optimize between reliability and latency in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by making the timer flexible enough to adapt to varying network conditions rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors response times and network conditions, using this information to adjust the retransmission timer. The feedback loop allows the timer to learn from actual network behavior and modify its values accordingly, balancing reliability needs with latency reduction based on observed performance data.
2Device complexity
If a static fixed retransmission timer value is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic timer configuration, where timer values are automatically adjusted based on network conditions. This dynamic adaptation increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the adjustment logic is integrated into the existing protocol framework rather than requiring separate complex configuration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer system performs self-adjustment based on monitored network conditions and response times. Rather than requiring external configuration or manual tuning, the system automatically optimizes its own behavior by learning from actual network performance data, reducing the need for complex external management while enhancing adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the same request is retransmitted upon timeout, then the protocol simplicity is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to repeated transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the retransmission strategy adaptive rather than fixed. The system adjusts whether to retransmit the same request or send a new request based on real-time network conditions and timer values, optimizing productivity by avoiding unnecessary repeated transmissions while maintaining protocol simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from response times and network conditions to intelligently decide on retransmission strategies. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between temporary timeouts (where retransmission helps) and persistent issues (where sending a new request is better), thereby improving productivity without complex manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system and method are provided whereby latency in network communication protocols such as the TCP/IP suite of protocols is reduced by transmitting a new and second connection request from a sending device to a receiving device over a network based upon adaptively determined dynamic initial timeout values, where the dynamic initial timeout values are adaptively determined based upon data associated with one or more historical requests transmitted over the network by the sending device.