Asymmetric Access Line Downlink Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asymmetric data transmission lines, such as ADSL, face limitations in downlink speed due to the HTTP protocol's reliance on TCP, which results in increased download times and potential service loss, especially in real-time applications like Video on Demand, due to the coexistence of downlink data and low uplink acknowledgment traffic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that delays the transmission of acknowledgment packets until the receive buffer is emptied, optimizing downlink speed by reducing the frequency of uplink traffic, using a variable scanning delay or filling threshold to manage buffer operations, and updating this delay based on access line characteristics and buffer sizes to enhance throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP protocol transmits acknowledgment packets for each received data packet, then data transmission reliability is improved, but downlink throughput deteriorates due to increased uplink traffic on asymmetric lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple acknowledgment packets into a single cumulative acknowledgment packet that confirms receipt of multiple data packets. Instead of sending separate ACK packets for each received packet, the receiver consolidates acknowledgments and sends one packet confirming all previously received packets up to a certain sequence number, thereby reducing uplink traffic while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic acknowledgment transmission where the receiver sends acknowledgment packets at regular intervals or when buffers reach certain thresholds, rather than immediately after each packet receipt. This periodic approach reduces the frequency of uplink transmissions while ensuring data reliability through scheduled confirmation
2Reliability
If acknowledgment packets are transmitted frequently to ensure data receipt confirmation, then transmission reliability is improved, but uplink bandwidth consumption increases, limiting downlink capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual acknowledgment packets are merged into a single cumulative acknowledgment packet that validates receipt of multiple data packets. The patent implements this by tracking received packet sequence numbers and generating one consolidated ACK that confirms all packets up to the highest received sequence number, significantly reducing the quantity of acknowledgment traffic on the uplink
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copy of the received data packets stored in buffer memory to generate acknowledgment information, rather than transmitting original data packets back. The acknowledgment packet contains reference information (sequence numbers, checksums) that verifies receipt without requiring actual data transmission back, thereby conserving uplink bandwidth
3Speed
If TCP buffer is emptied frequently to process data, then data processing speed is improved, but acknowledgment packet transmission frequency increases, reducing downlink performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer management where the threshold for triggering acknowledgment transmission is adjusted based on current network conditions, buffer occupancy levels, and traffic patterns. Instead of a fixed empty-buffer trigger, the system dynamically adapts when to send acknowledgments, allowing buffers to maintain optimal occupancy levels that balance processing speed with acknowledgment frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as buffer size thresholds, acknowledgment timing intervals, and cumulative acknowledgment ranges to optimize the balance between data processing speed and acknowledgment frequency. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can process data faster while minimizing the impact of acknowledgment transmissions on downlink performance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method involves receiving data from a server by a reception buffer of transmission control protocol pile, and receiving data from the reception buffer by another reception buffer. An acknowledge packet is transmitted (21) to the server when the data present in the former buffer is transmitted to the latter buffer. Transmission of the data present in the former buffer toward the latter buffer is delayed (20). The data is transmitted between the server and the customer equipment according to HTTP protocol. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for optimizing a downstream rate of an asymmetric access line used to transmit data between a server and customer equipment (2) a computer program product comprising program code instructions for implementing a method for optimizing a downstream rate of an asymmetric access line used to transmit data between a server and customer equipment (3) a computer readable storage medium for storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer or processor.