Erasure Code Packet Encoding for Low Latency Data Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission methods, such as TCP and retransmission-based protocols, face challenges in providing consistent ultra-low latency and efficient bandwidth usage, especially in applications like online cloud gaming and metaverse-type services, where packet loss variability leads to unpredictable delivery latency and inefficient bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving data block encoding into interchangeable packets with a sendable number determination based on feedback from the receiver, using erasure codes to ensure reliable delivery with minimal latency and bandwidth consumption, where the sender adjusts the number of packets sent based on packet loss estimates and receiver feedback to ensure data block recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retransmission-based protocols (TCP) are used to ensure reliable data delivery, then data reliability is improved, but delivery latency increases due to multiple round-trip times when packets are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encoding redundant data packets in advance using erasure codes before transmission. Instead of waiting for packet loss to occur and then retransmitting (reactive approach), the system proactively sends multiple encoded packets that can recover from any subset of them. This eliminates the need for retransmission round-trips and achieves ultra-low latency reliable delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of packet redundancy from dynamic (retroactively added via retransmission) to static (proactively encoded with erasure codes). By transforming the data into an erasure-coded form where any k out of n packets suffice for recovery, the system fundamentally alters how reliability is achieved, transitioning from time-based retransmission to space-based redundancy.
2Reliability
If retransmission-based protocols are used to handle packet loss, then data reliability is improved, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates due to additional retransmission traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by sending more packets than the minimum single copy needed for data transmission. Specifically, it sends n encoded packets where only k are strictly necessary for recovery, creating an excess of redundant packets. This excessive action prevents packet loss recovery issues without requiring the full retransmission overhead of TCP, achieving better bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating multiple encoded versions of the original data through erasure coding. Instead of sending one copy and retransmitting lost copies (which consumes additional bandwidth), it generates multiple independent encoded copies simultaneously, where any sufficient subset can reconstruct the original data, eliminating the need for retransmission bandwidth.
3Reliability
If fixed code rate erasure codes are used for packet encoding, then data reliability is improved, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates due to sending more packets than necessary when packet loss is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of encoded packets sent adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the redundancy level (n-k) based on real-time network conditions and observed packet loss rates. When packet loss is low, fewer redundant packets are sent; when packet loss increases, more redundant packets are transmitted. This dynamic adaptation optimizes bandwidth efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiver sends acknowledgments about which packets were successfully received and which were lost. The sender uses this feedback information to adjust the encoding parameters and determine the optimal number of packets to send for subsequent data blocks, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual network conditions.
4Productivity
If adaptive packet sending based on feedback is implemented, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to feedback processing and sendable number determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex adaptive control task into separate modular components: the sender performs erasure encoding and packet transmission, while the receiver performs packet collection and decoding. The feedback mechanism is segmented into simple acknowledgment generation at the receiver and sendable number calculation at the sender. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity compared to a monolithic adaptive protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
Data can be sent from a sender to a receiver with reliability of transmission encoding data blocks into packets each having a packet header and a packet payload, a block size, a global packet sequence number that uniquely identifies the packet relative to other packets of the data, a block identifier of the data block, and an encoding identifier. The sender determines from feedback from the receiver whether packets are lost and sends repair packets as needed.