GSE-LLC Multicast Signaling for Heterogeneous Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multicast transmission methods are limited to a single network and cannot support multicast services across heterogeneous networks, leading to service termination when switching networks, and they struggle with identifying unknown protocols in IP/UDP or IP/TCP transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving encapsulating IP streams into Generic Stream Encapsulation (GSE) packets at the link layer, generating a Logical Link Control (LLC) descriptor, and transmitting these packets to the physical layer, enabling multicast signal transmission across broadcast networks using GSE-LLC signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multicast transmission method is used within a single network, then multicast service can be provided, but it cannot support multicast service across heterogeneous networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary encapsulation mechanism (GSE-LLC packet structure) that mediates between different network protocols and multicast transmission. The LLC descriptor acts as a mediator layer that enables protocol translation and compatibility across heterogeneous networks without requiring complex protocol stacks in each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multicast transmission framework using GSE-LLC packets that can carry multiple types of multicast streams (IP multicast, MABR streams) across different network types (broadcast networks, IP-based networks). This universal structure eliminates the need for separate protocol implementations for each network type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission protocols are used for IP/UDP or IP/TCP, then more protocols can be supported, but a protocol cannot be identified with a port number if not registered with IANA
Solution Approach 1:
The LLC descriptor serves as an intermediary identification mechanism that bridges the gap between unregistered protocols and port number identification. It provides an alternative identification method that does not rely on IANA registration, allowing protocols to be identified through the descriptor structure rather than traditional port numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol identification function into separate components within the LLC descriptor structure. Instead of relying on a single port number field, the identification is distributed across multiple fields in the descriptor, allowing for more flexible and comprehensive protocol identification without requiring IANA registration.
3Productivity
If IP multicast uses destination address and port number for multicast, then all receivers can receive the packet, but multicast of the packet may not be processed if an unknown protocol is used
Solution Approach 1:
The LLC descriptor acts as an intermediary layer between the IP multicast packet and the receiver processing logic. It provides protocol identification and configuration information that enables receivers to properly process multicast packets regardless of the underlying protocol, maintaining delivery efficiency while expanding protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary protocol identification and configuration through the LLC descriptor before the multicast packet reaches the application layer. This preliminary action ensures that receivers are pre-configured to handle the specific protocol being transmitted, avoiding processing failures while maintaining efficient multicast delivery.
4Ease of operation
If multicast service is terminated when switching access networks, then connection can be released, but service continuity is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The universal GSE-LLC packet structure enables the same multicast service to operate across different access networks (broadcast networks, IP-based networks) without requiring service termination. The standardized encapsulation allows seamless network switching while maintaining service continuity, as the receiver can handle multiple network types with the same protocol stack.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multicast signal transmission method according to embodiments may comprise the steps of: receiving internet protocol (IP) streams for multicast from an upper layer; encapsulating the IP streams into generic stream encapsulation (GSE) packets in a link layer; generating a logical link control (LLC) descriptor of GSE and encapsulating the LLC descriptor into GSE-LLC packets in the link layer; and transmitting a GSE stream including the GSE packets and the GSE-LLC packets to a physical layer.