Conditional Protocol Control for Transport Layer Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems, such as Internet content delivery systems, face challenges in optimizing transport layer protocols for efficient content delivery due to limitations in adapting protocol attributes on a per-connection basis without requiring changes to standard protocol implementations or special components at every node.
Innovation Solution
A content distribution server modifies transport layer protocol attributes, such as timing, pacing, and buffer allocation, based on information from content requests, allowing for dynamic adjustment of connections to optimize content delivery without notifying the end-user computer, using a modified TCP protocol stack and conditional protocol adaptation tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If protocol attributes are modified on a per-connection basis to optimize content delivery, then delivery performance and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack into modular components, with the conditional protocol adapter as a separate layer between the application layer and transport layer. This allows individual protocol attributes (timing, pacing, buffer allocation) to be modified independently for each connection without redesigning the entire protocol stack, thus improving delivery performance while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic protocol attribute adjustment by monitoring connection characteristics in real-time and adapting protocol parameters accordingly. The conditional protocol adapter dynamically selects and applies appropriate protocol profiles based on current connection state, enabling optimized content delivery for varying network conditions without requiring static, overly complex protocol designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized protocol components are installed at every node to enable protocol customization, then protocol flexibility and functionality are improved, but ease of operation and deployment worsen due to widespread installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing protocol customization only at the content distribution server where it is most needed for optimizing outgoing connections. The conditional protocol adapter modifies protocol attributes unilaterally at the server side without requiring corresponding changes at client nodes, enabling protocol flexibility while avoiding the need for widespread deployment across all network nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditional protocol adapter acts as an intermediary component at the server that mediates between the standard TCP stack and the application layer. It provides protocol customization capabilities through this intermediate layer, allowing the server to implement customized protocol behavior without requiring changes to standard protocol implementations at client nodes or other parts of the network.
3Productivity
If standard protocol implementations are changed widely to support per-connection optimization, then protocol performance and adaptability are improved, but ease of manufacture and standardization compliance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where the conditional protocol adapter is embedded within the existing TCP protocol stack structure. The adapter operates as a nested layer that wraps around the standard TCP functionality, allowing per-connection optimization to be implemented within the confines of standard protocol implementations. This nested approach enables protocol efficiency improvements while maintaining compliance with standard TCP behavior at the interface level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of protocol attribute settings and connection profiles that can be selectively applied to different connections. Rather than modifying the core standard protocol implementation, the system maintains multiple copies of protocol parameter sets and dynamically selects appropriate copies for each connection, thereby achieving optimized performance while preserving standard protocol compliance in the base implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for modifying the performance of a transport layer protocol in response to a request for content are disclosed. A connection can be established between a content distribution server and an end user computer according to preconfigured parameters. When a request for content is received over the connection, the content distribution server can determine one or more parameters relating to the performance of the connection using information from the request. The content distribution server can modify the connection at the transport layer according to the one or more parameters. Thereafter, the transport layer can manage delivery of the requested content to the end user computer in accordance with the modified parameters. In various embodiments, the content distribution server includes a modified TCP protocol stack which adjusts timing, pacing, and buffer allocation associated with a connection in response to requests from an application-layer data source.