Edge Network Nodes for Heterogeneous Tactical Internetwork Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for managing internetwork communications in multi-hop heterogeneous tactical networks face challenges in ensuring end-to-end connectivity with desired Quality of Service (QoS) due to intermittent link connectivity, varying bandwidth, and bit-packet errors, particularly when dealing with both IP and non-IP networks, and are not robust enough to handle dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs edge network nodes with both native and overlay communication management units, coupled with gateway-capable nodes, to effectively select and establish paths or routes that meet the requirements for successful and timely data transfer, enhancing the robustness of heterogeneous tactical networks by managing communications using native and overlay protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP/IP congestion control mechanism is used for end-to-end connectivity reliability, then connectivity reliability is improved, but end-to-end throughput performance deteriorates due to intermittent disruptions in tactical networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PEP gateways as intermediary components that mediate between the TCP/IP protocol layer and the underlying tactical network. These gateways implement transport mechanisms including transmission rate control, retransmission, and error correction coding to enhance message delivery performance without requiring changes to the core TCP/IP protocol, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and throughput performance
Solution Approach 2:
The PEP gateways dynamically adjust transmission parameters such as transmission rate, retransmission timing, and error correction coding based on real-time network conditions. This allows the system to adapt to intermittent disruptions while maintaining both connectivity reliability and throughput performance by optimizing parameters rather than relying solely on TCP/IP congestion control
2Reliability
If redundant transmissions are used to enhance probability of end-to-end message delivery, then delivery probability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to additional bandwidth consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective redundant transmissions rather than always sending full redundancy. The PEP gateways send additional packets only when network conditions indicate potential delivery failures, and the degree of redundancy is adjusted based on the specific application's QoS requirements and current network state, thus improving delivery probability without consistently over-utilizing bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of transmission strategies based on real-time network conditions. The system monitors link quality, bandwidth availability, and delivery success rates to dynamically determine when and how many redundant transmissions to send, optimizing the balance between delivery reliability and bandwidth consumption rather than using static redundant transmission schemes
3Reliability
If PEP gateways are deployed to enhance end-to-end connectivity performance, then connectivity performance is improved, but system robustness deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple zones with distributed PEP gateway functions. Instead of relying on a single centralized gateway, the system distributes gateway capabilities across multiple nodes, allowing traffic to be routed through alternative paths if one gateway fails, thus maintaining connectivity performance while improving system robustness through segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces alternative intermediary mechanisms such as multi-hop routing through multiple gateways and backup path selection. When a primary PEP gateway fails, the system can dynamically route traffic through alternative gateways or paths, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining the performance enhancements provided by PEP functionality
4Adaptability or versatility
If multi-hop routing is used to connect heterogeneous tactical networks, then network versatility is improved, but path selection complexity deteriorates due to varying link connectivity characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal routing framework that can handle multiple network types (IP and non-IP) and various link characteristics through a single integrated path selection mechanism. The PEP gateways provide multi-functional capabilities including protocol translation, path selection, and QoS management that work across heterogeneous networks, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from needing separate routing mechanisms for each network type
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where PEP gateways continuously monitor link connectivity characteristics, bandwidth availability, and delivery performance across heterogeneous networks. This real-time feedback information is used to dynamically adjust path selection decisions, simplifying the routing process by using centralized intelligence that adapts to changing network conditions rather than requiring complex distributed path selection algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing internetwork communications among a plurality of networks includes: (a) a plurality of edge network nodes; each respective edge network node being coupled to manage internetwork communications between a respective own network and other networks of the plurality of networks than the respective own network; and (b) at least one gateway-capable edge network node communicatingly coupled with each respective network node. Each respective edge network node includes a native communication network management unit for managing communications by the respective edge network node using a native communication protocol. Each respective edge network node includes an overlay communication network management unit for managing communications by the respective edge network node using an overlay communication protocol.