Connectionless Transport Layer Protocol with Application-Layer Reliability Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication protocols, such as TCP, do not efficiently address specific data characteristics and network environments, particularly in scenarios where data reliability and throughput are crucial, like video streaming, due to their high overhead and connection establishment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connectionless transport layer communication protocol, like UDP, is employed in conjunction with a customized sockets API and reliability module to establish and manage connections, allowing for efficient data transfer without the overhead of connection establishment and error correction mechanisms typically provided by TCP, using a software module hierarchy that includes a sockets module, reliability module, and connectivity module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP is used for data transmission, then data reliability and integrity are improved, but overhead and delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reliability assurance function from the transport layer protocol. Instead of having TCP provide both transport and reliability functions, the invention separates these concerns by implementing reliability mechanisms at the application layer while using a connectionless transport layer, thereby reducing protocol overhead while maintaining data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the reliability mechanism from the traditional transport layer to the application layer, effectively changing the dimensional layering of network protocols. This allows the transport layer to remain lightweight and connectionless while the application layer handles reliability through custom protocols, resolving the contradiction between reliability and overhead.
2Reliability
If TCP connection establishment mechanisms are used, then data integrity is protected, but throughput and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary reliability checks and custom protocols at the application layer before data transmission begins, eliminating the need for TCP's three-way handshake and connection establishment overhead. This preliminary action ensures data integrity is built into the transmission protocol itself rather than requiring separate connection management.
3Loss of energy
If UDP is used for data transmission, then overhead and delay are reduced, but data reliability and error correction are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a custom application layer protocol as an intermediary between the UDP transport layer and the application. This intermediary layer provides the missing reliability and error correction mechanisms that UDP lacks, while still benefiting from UDP's low overhead and efficient data transmission capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If standard sockets API is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to specific data characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sockets API that can adapt its behavior based on the specific data characteristics and transmission requirements. The API allows applications to dynamically select and configure reliability mechanisms, error correction protocols, and transmission parameters, providing both ease of operation through automation and adaptability to specific needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of establishing a network connection between two nodes of a communication network via a connectionless transport layer communication protocol is presented. In the method, a plurality of data packets is exchanged between a first node and a second node. Each of the data packets comprises a header and a payload formatted according to the connectionless protocol. The connectionless protocol payload of the data packets includes a separate header comprising a first port indicator for the first node and a second port indicator for the second node. The separate header of at least one of the data packets includes an indication to establish a connection between the first node and the second node. In response to the exchange of data packets, the first and second nodes establish the connection, wherein the first port indicator and the second port indicator are associated with the established connection between the nodes.