Conditional Packet Commands for Encrypted Flow Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networks face challenges in aligning communication goals of host nodes with overall network objectives due to conflicts between minimizing latency and maximizing throughput, and the use of encrypted data packets hinders deep packet inspection, leading to inefficient routing and resource over-subscription.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conditional commands within data packets that include conditions and actions, allowing source nodes to control packet handling based on specific conditions, enabling in-band control of network functions without decrypting the payload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is used to determine routing, then routing decisions can be made based on packet content, but encrypted data packets prevent DPI from working effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conditional commands as an intermediary mechanism that enables routing decisions without requiring decryption of packet payloads. These commands are inserted into packet headers by source nodes and contain pre-defined conditions and actions that network devices can execute, serving as a mediator between encrypted data and routing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables packets to carry their own routing instructions through conditional commands embedded in headers. Source nodes self-service by inserting appropriate conditional commands that reflect application requirements, allowing packets to direct their own handling without requiring network devices to inspect encrypted payloads.
2Productivity
If network operations enforce overall network goals such as maximizing throughput, then network equipment utilization is improved, but this leads to over-subscription of resources and traffic congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation through conditional commands that allow routing decisions to adapt to real-time network conditions and application requirements. Network devices execute commands conditionally based on current state, enabling flexible resource allocation that responds to changing traffic patterns and network conditions rather than following static policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different parts of the network to have different handling characteristics through conditional commands specific to individual flows or packets. Each command can be tailored to specific application requirements, allowing local optimization of resource allocation rather than uniform network-wide policies.
3Loss of time
If source nodes want to minimize latency for communication, then application performance is improved, but this conflicts with network goals to maximize overall throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes in routing decisions through conditional commands that can modify packet handling based on application requirements. Source nodes can set parameters such as priority levels, routing preferences, or timing constraints in conditional commands, allowing latency-sensitive applications to receive appropriate treatment without fundamentally changing network throughput optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism is disclosed for implementing conditional commands carried by network data packets. A data flow including a data packet is received. The data packet includes a conditional command. A condition and a command are obtained from the conditional command. The mechanism determines that the condition is satisfied. Based on the determination that the condition is satisfied, the command is executed to alter handling of the data flow, alter handling of the data packet, or alter a context for the data flow.