Dynamic Packet Fragmentation for Network Link Quality Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of communication links between network nodes can vary, leading to inefficiencies when using a predetermined fragment size for all transmissions, resulting in excessive retransmissions and overhead costs due to fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
Dynamically adjusting the fragment size based on the link quality by generating fragments at a sending node, which updates a link quality parameter based on transmission success and compares it to a threshold to optimize fragment sizes for improved network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fragmentation is used to reduce bit errors in transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but the number of retransmissions increases due to loss of single fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides packets into fragments with sequence numbers, allowing selective retransmission of only lost fragments rather than entire packets. Each fragment is independently transmitted and can be individually retransmitted if lost, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliability through segmentation while improving productivity through selective retransmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts fragment size based on link quality conditions. When link quality is good, larger fragment sizes are used to reduce overhead. When link quality deteriorates, fragment sizes are reduced to minimize retransmission impact. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the trade-off between reliability and productivity based on actual transmission conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fragmentation is used to overcome different packet size limitations in networks, then adaptability is improved, but overhead cost increases due to additional fragment transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fragment size adjustment based on link quality parameters. The system adapts fragment sizes in real-time according to transmission conditions, maximizing network adaptability while minimizing overhead. When link quality is high, larger fragments reduce overhead; when quality is low, smaller fragments reduce retransmission overhead, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fragment size parameter dynamically based on link quality assessments. By adjusting this critical parameter according to network conditions, the system achieves optimal adaptability across different network environments while minimizing the energy overhead associated with fragment transmission and processing.
3Device complexity
If predetermined fragment size is used for all transmissions, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance deteriorates due to excessive retransmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic fragment size adjustment based on link quality, transforming the static fragmentation approach into a dynamic one. The system monitors link quality parameters and adjusts fragment sizes accordingly, improving network performance through adaptive optimization while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where link quality parameters are continuously monitored and used to adjust fragment size decisions. This closed-loop control improves network performance by responding to actual transmission conditions, while the automated feedback process manages device complexity by eliminating manual configuration requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed for dynamically fragmenting packets transmitted in a communications network. Fragments are generated by splitting a packet based on a value of a fragment size parameter. A first fragment is sent to a receiving node. As the sending node, a transmission success parameter is determined that indicates whether the first fragment was successfully received. Based on the value of the transmission success parameter, a link quality parameter value representing a chance a second fragment having the same size as the first fragment will be successfully received by the receiving node is updated. The sending node compares the value of the link quality parameter and a value of a quality threshold parameter and changes the value of the fragment size parameter based on a result of the comparison.