GPRS Telemetry Session Management with Keep-Alive and Queuing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network's limitations in telemetry communications, including high overhead due to connection-oriented protocols like TCP, dynamic and private IP addresses, and inefficient message queuing mechanisms, hinder efficient data transmission and load balancing in multiple server environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that initiates client-initiated communication sessions over GPRS, using a combination of data packet transmission frequency adjustment and 'keep alive' packets to prevent network time-outs, and provides queuing mechanisms for outbound messages in multiple server environments, leveraging TCP and UDP protocols with access to Network Address Port Translation (NAPT) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) implementations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection-oriented protocols like TCP are used for data transmission over GPRS, then reliable data delivery is ensured, but overhead increases and communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential reliability function from the full TCP protocol stack and implements a simplified confirmation mechanism at the application layer. Instead of using complete TCP connections with all their overhead, the system sends data packets with sequence numbers and implements a simple acknowledgment system where receiving devices confirm packet receipt, providing reliable delivery without TCP's substantial overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of protocol complexity by replacing the connection-oriented TCP protocol with a connectionless approach enhanced by application-layer confirmation mechanisms. This parameter change reduces overhead while maintaining reliability through sequence numbering and acknowledgment packets, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and overhead.
2Reliability
If server-side applications wait for devices to open IP connections before sending data, then message delivery is ensured, but latency increases and reporting frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having devices continuously maintain open IP connections and proactively send data packets according to configured reporting intervals, rather than waiting for server requests. Devices pre-establish their communication channels and initiate data transmission, eliminating the latency of connection establishment and enabling higher reporting frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional request-response model by having devices autonomously initiate data transmission without waiting for server requests. Instead of the server pulling data when needed, devices push data proactively at configured intervals, fundamentally reversing the communication initiation direction and reducing latency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a FIFO queue is used for message queuing in multiple server environments, then simple implementation is achieved, but load balancing and server assignment become uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the queuing mechanism track which server instance is currently serving which device and use this information to route outbound messages to the correct server. The system receives feedback about server-device assignments and uses this information dynamically to balance load and ensure messages are delivered to the appropriate server, transforming a static FIFO queue into an adaptive load-balancing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static FIFO queue into a dynamic queuing mechanism that adapts to server availability and device connections. The queue dynamically adjusts message routing based on real-time server status and device connection information, enabling load balancing while maintaining implementation feasibility through structured data tracking.
4Productivity
If connections are frequently setup and torn down for periodic telemetry transmissions, then resource utilization is improved, but communication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining persistent IP connections open for extended periods, allowing multiple telemetry transmissions without repeated connection setup and teardown. Devices keep their data channels open continuously and transmit periodic data packets through these sustained connections, eliminating the overhead and cost of frequent connection establishment while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for efficient extended data communications using a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) carrier network. In a communications system having a server and client device coupled by a GPRS network, a communication session is initiated by the client. A combination of data packet transmission frequency adjustment and the transmission of “keep alive” packets are used to prevent carrier network time-out of the communication session. In multiple server environments such as those using load sharing, a queuing mechanism is provided for outbound messages to client devices.