Hybrid Network Packet Adaptation for Path-Specific Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid communication networks, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently transmitting data across multiple LAN technologies due to varying path connection characteristics, leading to suboptimal performance in reliability, load balancing, packet loss rate, throughput, and jitter.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced to select the most suitable communication path based on path connection characteristics and generate hybrid LAN packets using encapsulation techniques or VLAN tags, ensuring optimal transmission by adapting the packet format according to the selected path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single network packet format is used across all paths, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission performance deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different path characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet format selection based on the selected network path characteristics. The hybrid device determines path properties (Ethernet, Powerline, Coaxial) and adapts the packet format accordingly, transforming the static packet structure into a dynamic one that changes based on transmission conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing reliability optimization without permanent complexity increase, as the adaptation is triggered only when path changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes packet format parameters (encapsulation methods, VLAN tags, header structures) based on the determined path characteristics. When the path changes from Ethernet to Powerline for example, the packet format parameters are adjusted to match the optimal format for that medium. This allows the system to maintain high reliability across different paths while managing complexity through parameterized format definitions rather than completely separate format specifications.
2Productivity
If packet format is optimized for each path, then transmission performance improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple format management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hybrid packet format that can function across multiple network paths. Instead of maintaining completely separate packet formats for each path type, the invention designs a multi-functional packet structure that can be configured for different paths through optional fields and parameter settings. This reduces device complexity by having one universal format template rather than multiple independent formats, while still achieving path-optimized transmission performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of path characteristics before packet transmission. The hybrid device proactively identifies the network path type and pre-configures the appropriate packet format parameters before data transmission begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time format switching during transmission, reducing device complexity by preparing the format in advance based on path detection.
3Reliability
If path-specific packet formats are used, then load balancing and jitter are optimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the hybrid device automatically determines path characteristics and configures appropriate packet formats without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously adapts to different network paths by detecting path type and selecting optimal format parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex path-specific settings. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining optimized load balancing performance while dramatically simplifying operation through automated self-configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A path selection unit selects a network communication path from a plurality of available network communication paths for transmitting data from a hybrid network device to a destination network device. A packet transmit unit determines path connection characteristics associated with the selected network communication path. The packet transmit unit generates a hybrid network packet for transmitting the data to the destination network device based, at least in part, on the path connection characteristics associated with the selected network communication path. The packet transmit unit transmits the hybrid network packet to the destination network device via the selected network communication path.