Low-Latency Packet Queueing for Real-Time Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latency issues in communications between home networks and ISPs lead to disruptions in internet connectivity and user experience, particularly for low-latency applications like video conferencing, cloud gaming, and augmented reality, due to high latency causing slow response times, decreased quality, buffering, and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that monitors and controls end-to-end latency using precision time protocol synchronization, with server extensions integrated into ISP-provided modems or routers to filter and transmit latency information, allowing for network optimization and efficient routing to ensure reliable internet experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If larger burst data communications are used to support internet speeds, then communication speed is improved, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different queues based on latency requirements. High-latency tolerant traffic (file transfers, backups) is separated from low-latency critical traffic (video conferencing, cloud gaming). This allows the system to maintain high speeds for bulk data while ensuring low latency for real-time applications through dedicated queues and priority handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts buffer sizes and queue priorities based on real-time network conditions and application requirements. The buffer management mechanism adapts buffer allocation dynamically, shrinking buffers for non-critical traffic and expanding them for low-latency applications when network conditions permit, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and latency.
2Productivity
If larger buffers are implemented at each network node to support burst data, then data transmission capacity is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different buffer management strategies at different network nodes based on their specific roles and latency requirements. Edge devices and access points maintain smaller buffers with priority handling for low-latency traffic, while core network nodes can utilize larger buffers for bulk data transmission. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by matching buffer sizes to actual operational needs rather than applying uniform large buffers throughout the network.
3Loss of time
If real-time monitoring and control systems are implemented for latency management, then latency control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized latency management system that acts as an intermediary between network nodes and applications. This mediator collects latency metrics from various nodes, analyzes them, and coordinates buffer management actions across the network. By centralizing the complexity in a coordinated management system rather than embedding complex control logic in each node, the overall system achieves effective latency control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for low latency control. A communication system can include an application operating on the first device. The application is configured to: 1. classify a first packet provided to the first device as being for reception by a second low latency device, or 2. classify the first packet as being for use in a low latency operation. The application is configured to provide the first packet to a first queue associated with a low latency path.