IP Packet Header Compression for Satellite Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing header compression techniques in IP communication networks are complex, inefficient, and do not adequately consider the resource availability and payload data compression, leading to significant bandwidth and resource usage penalties, especially in satellite networks.
Innovation Solution
A device that compresses and decompresses IP packet headers based on criteria such as packet fragmentation, transport protocol type, and resource availability, replacing full headers with partially or fully compressed headers, and determining the feasibility of payload data compression to minimize the number of cells required for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP packets are segmented into cells with full headers, then each cell can be independently transmitted, but the ratio of payload data to header data is significantly reduced, monopolizing network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the header compression process into two phases: initial packets receive full headers for reliable reconstruction, while subsequent packets use compressed headers. This segmentation allows the system to balance reliability (full headers initially) with resource efficiency (compressed headers later), resolving the contradiction between independent cell transmission and header data volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending complete headers in initial packets to establish the full header structure at the receiver end. This preliminary transmission of complete information enables subsequent packets to use compressed headers, as the receiver already has the reference data needed for reconstruction, thus reducing header data volume while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Loss of energy
If compression techniques are applied to reduce data transmission, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but implementation complexity increases due to generic compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic header compression where the compression level adapts based on packet sequence number. Initial packets use full headers, while subsequent packets use progressively compressed versions. This dynamic approach optimizes bandwidth usage by applying appropriate compression levels at different times, while keeping implementation complexity manageable through a systematic progression rather than requiring all compression techniques simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of header compression level based on packet sequence. By varying the compression parameter (from full header to compressed header) according to the packet position in the stream, the system achieves bandwidth efficiency without requiring complex generic compression algorithms for every packet, thus reducing implementation complexity while improving bandwidth usage.
3Productivity
If TCP/IP headers with options are compressed to reduce cell count, then transmission efficiency improves, but compression accuracy decreases due to loss of option field information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting the complete TCP/IP header including all option fields in the initial packets. This ensures that the receiver obtains the full header information with complete precision before compression is applied to subsequent packets. The preliminary full transmission preserves measurement precision while enabling later compression to improve productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the header transmission into two distinct phases: a first phase with complete, uncompressed headers that preserve all option field information for accuracy, and a second phase with compressed headers that improve transmission efficiency. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high productivity through compression and high measurement precision through complete initial transmission.
4Quantity of substance
If resource constraints are considered in compression decisions, then resource allocation optimizes, but adaptability to varying network conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by adjusting the compression strategy based on both resource constraints and network conditions. The system monitors packet sequences and network state, dynamically switching between full and compressed headers. This dynamic approach simultaneously optimizes resource allocation (by compressing when appropriate) and maintains adaptability (by responding to varying network conditions), resolving the apparent contradiction between the two goals.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (D1) is dedicated to compression of streams of packets of data, for a communication equipment (E1) constituting a transmission end point in an Internet Protocol communication network (R), the packets of a stream each comprising, in particular, an IP header including a destination end point (E2) identifier, a session identifier and stream attributes, and said packets being intended to be transmitted after decomposition into cells. This compression device (D1) comprises processing means (MT1) responsible, if they receive a packet of a stream, i) for determining if the IP header of the packet can be compressed as a function of at least one chosen criterion, then ii) if so, for determining if the compression can lead to a reduction in the number of cells having to result from the decomposition of that packet, then iii) if so, for replacing in that packet at least its IP header by a compressed header comprising at least the session identifier and a compression identifier, after having transmitted beforehand to the destination end point (E2) of the received stream, in a partially compressed form, at least the IP header that has to be replaced.