ML-Based TCP Rate Control for Predictive Congestion Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission rate control mechanisms in mobile telecommunications systems, such as the slow-start mechanism of the transmission control protocol (TCP), are inefficient in managing network congestion, particularly for highly user-centric services like virtual reality, leading to resource waste and suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a machine learning algorithm, specifically a recurrent neural network, within network entities to predict congestion and adjust transmission rates based on MAC control elements, allowing for proactive control of TCP window stalling and optimizing data scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the slow-start mechanism of TCP is used to control transmission rate, then network congestion is detected and transmission rate is decreased, but transmission rate increases slowly afterwards causing resource waste and suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecongestion control effectivenessVSAvoidtransmission rate recovery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using machine learning algorithms to predict congestion before it occurs. The system analyzes historical traffic patterns and network conditions to forecast potential congestion events, allowing the transmission rate to be adjusted proactively rather than reactively. This prevents the slow-start mechanism from being triggered in the first place, maintaining higher transmission rates while avoiding actual congestion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring network conditions and using machine learning models to analyze traffic patterns. The system receives feedback about actual congestion events and uses this information to refine its predictions and adjust transmission rates dynamically. This closed-loop control enables the system to learn from past congestion events and improve its predictive accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If machine learning algorithm is implemented to predict congestion, then transmission rate can be maintained at high levels, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rate maintenanceVSAvoidalgorithm implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses machine learning algorithms as an intermediary between raw network traffic data and transmission rate control decisions. Instead of directly controlling transmission based on simple congestion signals, the ML algorithm processes complex traffic patterns and provides refined predictions that guide rate adjustment. This intermediary layer translates complex network behavior into actionable insights while managing the complexity through standardized algorithmic approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by implementing machine learning models that automatically adapt to changing network conditions without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The algorithms learn from historical data and continuously refine their predictions, enabling the system to serve itself by automatically optimizing transmission rates based on learned patterns rather than predefined rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If transmission rate is decreased significantly after congestion detection, then congestion is avoided, but user experience in highly user-centric services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecongestion avoidanceVSAvoiduser experience quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using machine learning to predict and prevent congestion before it impacts user experience. Instead of allowing congestion to occur and then applying aggressive rate reduction, the system anticipates potential congestion events and adjusts transmission rates smoothly in advance. This prevents the harmful effect of sudden rate decreases while maintaining reliability through proactive congestion avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12470493B2Network entity and user equipment for transmission rate control
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US12470493B2 patent drawing
  • US12470493B2 patent drawing
  • US12470493B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A network entity for a mobile telecommunications system, including circuitry configured to perform transmission rate control of data transmissions according to a transmission control protocol, wherein the transmission rate control is performed based on an output of a machine learning algorithm including a prediction of a congestion of the data transmissions.