Multi-Path Network Feedback Protocol for Traffic Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network monitoring systems lack efficient methods to assess and adjust traffic distribution across multiple paths, leading to suboptimal performance and buffer occupancy management.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device sends transmissions over multiple network paths, receives performance information from a second device, and adjusts traffic based on calculations, including buffer occupancy comparisons and round-trip time analysis, to optimize path performance without artificial delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network monitoring systems use multiple paths for transmissions, then reliability and performance assessment capability is improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: path identification fields in packets, separate buffer occupancy tracking per path, and modular feedback message structures. Each path's performance is tracked independently through dedicated buffer queues and measurement mechanisms, allowing complex multi-path monitoring to be broken into manageable, independent segments that can be implemented and maintained separately
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having each path send separate feedback messages back to the source, the system inverts the approach by having the destination device aggregate performance information from all paths and send a single consolidated feedback message. This reverses the traditional per-path feedback model and reduces overall protocol complexity while maintaining comprehensive path monitoring capability
2Productivity
If traffic is dynamically adjusted across multiple paths, then network efficiency and buffer occupancy management are improved, but measurement precision and performance calculation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the destination device measures buffer occupancy and performance metrics for each path, sends feedback messages containing precise measurements back to the source, and the source uses this feedback to dynamically adjust traffic distribution. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision while enabling efficient adaptive traffic management across multiple paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes traffic distribution parameters based on measured performance metrics. The source device adjusts the amount of traffic sent over each path by modifying transmission parameters in response to feedback about buffer occupancy levels, path performance characteristics, and network conditions, thereby optimizing efficiency while maintaining accurate measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If feedback information is sent over a direct path without transfer helpers, then measurement accuracy is improved, but path utilization flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system is segmented to use different paths for different purposes: direct paths are used specifically for feedback and measurement messages where accuracy is critical, while other paths can be used for data transmissions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement precision through direct feedback paths while still utilizing the full flexibility of multiple paths for overall traffic management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces path identification fields and labeling mechanisms that act as intermediaries, allowing feedback messages to be clearly marked and routed appropriately. These identifiers enable the network to distinguish between measurement-critical feedback traffic and regular data traffic, ensuring that feedback uses direct paths for accuracy while data can utilize any available path for flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for providing feedback over a multiple path network is provided. A first device sends a transmissions to a second device over at least two different paths of the network. Using information collected as a result of receiving the transmissions, the second device aggregates data regarding the performance of each of the paths together into a feedback message. The second device then sends this feedback message to the first device over one path of the network. The first device uses the data in the feedback message in its calculations for determining the relative performance of each path. The amount of traffic sent along each path is adjusted as appropriate, based on these calculations.