Multi-Stream Packet Management via Cross-Flow Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-path transmission protocols, such as MPTCP, are inadequate for real-time applications like voice over IP and television over IP, as they can slow down or interrupt TCP subflows, leading to unacceptable transmission quality and increased congestion due to retransmission of packets.
Innovation Solution
A management method that allows for congestion indication and corrective actions across both connected and non-connected flows, using TCP and UDP streams to signal congestion and retransmit data, enabling efficient resource utilization and error recovery without relying on traditional TCP acknowledgment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP acknowledgment mechanisms are used for reliable data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but real-time application quality deteriorates due to packet retransmission delays and congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback mechanism into two independent channels: a connected mode flow for data transmission and an unconnected mode flow for feedback messages. This segmentation allows each channel to operate independently with optimized characteristics - the connected flow ensures reliable data delivery while the unconnected flow provides timely feedback without TCP acknowledgment delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedback message mechanism that operates independently of the TCP acknowledgment system. This intermediary uses unconnected mode flows to carry feedback information (congestion indications, retransmission requests) without being constrained by TCP's reliable delivery requirements, thus resolving the conflict between reliability and real-time performance
2Productivity
If multiple TCP subflows are combined for increased throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but congestion in network buffers increases due to retransmission packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving entity sends congestion indications and retransmission requests through unconnected mode flows. This feedback allows the transmitting entity to adjust its transmission rate and retransmission strategy dynamically, optimizing throughput while minimizing buffer congestion by avoiding unnecessary retransmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the feedback channel by using unconnected mode instead of connected mode TCP flows. This parameter change allows feedback messages to be sent without the constraints of TCP reliability mechanisms, enabling more efficient congestion control and reduced retransmission overhead
3Reliability
If connected mode flows are used for reliable data transmission, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to prior negotiation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions into two distinct flows: connected mode flow for reliable data transmission and unconnected mode flow for feedback and control. This segmentation allows the system to use connectionless communication for most feedback operations, reducing the overall negotiation and setup complexity while maintaining data integrity where needed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method and a device for managing, in a receiving entity, data packets received from a transport layer connection established with a transmitting entity, the connection comprising at least one stream in connected mode and at least one stream in non-connected mode, and the management method comprising a step of transmitting, by the receiving entity, a so-called return message, relating to at least one data packet from one of the two streams in connected mode or in non-connected mode of the connection, the return message being transmitted to the transmitting entity on the other stream of the connection.