Gateway Packet Splitting Across Satellite and Terrestrial Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in asymmetric network environments face challenges with high latency in satellite networks and coverage limitations in terrestrial wireless networks, leading to unsatisfactory performance for latency-sensitive applications and limited access to high-speed broadband in underserved areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically evaluates packets based on latency sensitivity and network capacity, splitting them between primary and secondary network paths to optimize transmission, using a gateway to manage communication in asymmetric networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite networks are used to provide extensive coverage, then coverage area is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different categories (latency-sensitive and latency-agnostic) and routes them through different paths. Latency-sensitive traffic uses terrestrial networks while latency-agnostic traffic uses satellite networks, allowing each network type to serve its optimal use case without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between satellite and terrestrial networks based on real-time network conditions, packet characteristics, and service requirements. The gateway continuously monitors network status and adjusts routing decisions to optimize performance for each specific traffic flow.
2Loss of time
If terrestrial wireless networks are used to provide low latency, then latency performance is improved, but coverage area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides traffic into latency-sensitive and latency-agnostic segments, routing latency-sensitive traffic through terrestrial networks for low latency performance and latency-agnostic traffic through satellite networks for extensive coverage, thereby resolving the coverage-latency tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs multiple functions including packet classification, network capacity determination, path selection, and traffic splitting. It universally handles both satellite and terrestrial network connections, making the system adaptable to various network conditions and requirements.
3Productivity
If satellite networks are used to carry bulk transfers, then throughput is improved, but latency-sensitive application performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic by service type and routes bulk transfers through satellite networks for high throughput while directing latency-sensitive applications through terrestrial networks for responsive performance, allowing both throughput and latency requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality characteristics to different traffic flows. Latency-sensitive traffic receives prioritized treatment with guaranteed low latency, while bulk transfer traffic utilizes available bandwidth for maximum throughput, creating locally optimized performance for each service type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network paths are implemented to resolve contradictions, then overall system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway pre-configures multiple network paths and establishes monitoring mechanisms before actual traffic flow begins. It pre-determines classification criteria and path selection rules, so that when traffic arrives, the gateway can quickly route packets without complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network conditions, packet loss rates, and throughput performance, using this feedback to dynamically adjust routing decisions. The gateway learns from historical data and optimizes its path selection algorithms, reducing complexity through experience-based improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing network communication in an asymmetric network environment. The system includes a gateway. The gateway receives a plurality of packets for transmission over first communication network. The plurality of packets are received via primary network path. The gateway dynamically evaluates the plurality of packets. The gateway classifies the plurality of packets into a latency sensitive packet and a latency agnostic packet. The gateway determines network capacity of the primary network path and a secondary network path. The gateway splits the latency sensitive packet and the latency agnostic packet between the primary network path and the secondary network path. The gateway selects the primary network path for transmitting the latency sensitive packet. The gateway selects the secondary network path for transmitting the latency agnostic packet over downstream transmission. Furthermore, the gateway transmits the latency sensitive packet and the latency agnostic packet to a client device.