Flexible MTU Packet Core Design for Legacy Network Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy communication networks are limited by fixed maximum transmission unit (MTU) settings, which hinder the performance of newer communication networks by restricting packet sizes, leading to increased latency and reduced throughput, as they cannot adapt to the varying capabilities of both old and new network components.

Innovation Solution

A flexible MTU packet core design that allows dynamic configuration of MTU settings based on real-time IP address logic, enabling each network device to communicate using optimal packet sizes, thereby supporting both legacy and advanced networks simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed MTU setting is applied to all networks, then legacy network compatibility is maintained, but newer networks cannot achieve optimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy network compatibilityVSAvoidnewer network throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic MTU configuration where the packet core network device adjusts MTU settings in real-time based on the capabilities of connected network devices. The system determines whether a network device is legacy or advanced and applies appropriate MTU values (1500 bytes for legacy, 9000 bytes for advanced networks), transforming the static MTU configuration into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes performance for each specific network context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different MTU settings to different parts of the network based on their specific capabilities. Instead of using a uniform MTU value across the entire network, the system configures local MTU values tailored to each network segment's requirements - legacy networks receive 1500-byte MTU settings while advanced networks receive 9000-byte settings, allowing each local network segment to operate at its optimal performance level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a fixed MTU setting is used, then network configuration simplicity is maintained, but latency increases due to suboptimal packet sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration simplicityVSAvoidnetwork latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the packet core network device automatically detects the capabilities of connected network devices and configures appropriate MTU settings without manual intervention. The system autonomously determines whether to apply 1500-byte or 9000-byte MTU values based on real-time network device identification, eliminating the need for manual configuration while optimizing packet sizes to reduce latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the MTU parameter based on network device capabilities. The system transitions from a fixed MTU parameter to a variable parameter that adjusts between 1500 bytes and 9000 bytes depending on whether the connected device is legacy or advanced, allowing the network to optimize transmission efficiency and reduce latency automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If larger packet sizes are used in newer networks, then throughput increases, but compatibility with legacy systems is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidlegacy system compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into distinct categories (legacy and advanced networks) and applies different MTU configurations to each segment. The packet core network device identifies which segment a network device belongs to and applies the appropriate packet size - 1500 bytes for legacy segments and 9000 bytes for advanced segments - allowing larger packets to be used in advanced networks without affecting legacy system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packet core network device performs multiple functions by supporting both legacy and advanced network configurations. It acts as a universal interface that can handle both 1500-byte and 9000-byte MTU settings, enabling the same network infrastructure to serve diverse network types with different capabilities, thus maintaining legacy compatibility while enabling high-throughput operation for advanced networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11297532B2Legacy network maximum transmission unit isolation capability through deployment of a flexible maximum transmission unit packet core design

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Facilitating flexible maximum transmission unit packet core design in a communications network is provided herein. A system can comprise a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprise receiving a first transmission unit setting from a first network device. The first transmission unit setting can indicate a size of a largest network layer protocol data unit that is able to be communicated in a single network transaction by the first network device. The operations can also comprise setting, at the device, a configuration of the first network device to the first transmission unit setting. Further, the operations can comprise sending first communication packets to the first network device using the first transmission unit setting and second communication packets to a second network device using a second transmission unit setting different from the first transmission unit setting.