MPTCP Connection Initiation Based on Resource Usage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for implementing Hybrid Access using Multi-Path Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) in wireless communications networks result in high resource usage overhead, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilization and unnecessary resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a first network node determines whether to initiate a second MPTCP connection based on the resource usage of an existing MPTCP connection, only initiating the new connection when necessary, thereby optimizing resource allocation and reducing overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a second MPTCP connection is always established in hybrid access scenarios, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but resource usage overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidresource usage overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines whether to establish a second MPTCP connection based on current resource usage conditions. The network node monitors resource metrics and adaptively decides connection establishment, transitioning from static always-on multi-path to dynamic condition-based multi-path activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of connection establishment from a fixed state (always established) to a variable state (conditionally established based on resource usage criteria). This parameter change allows optimization of both bandwidth utilization and resource overhead by adjusting connection presence according to network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple MPTCP connections are established, then bandwidth capacity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidconnection management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic connection management where the number of active MPTCP connections varies based on resource conditions. Instead of maintaining fixed multiple connections, the system activates additional connections only when resource usage thresholds are met, reducing unnecessary management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If resource allocation is increased for MPTCP connections, then bandwidth utilization improves, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidresource allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the resource allocation parameter from a constant high level to a variable level that adjusts based on established connection count and current network conditions. This allows bandwidth utilization to improve when needed while resource overhead is reduced when single-path suffices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10602560B2First network node and methods therein, for determining whether a second multi path transmission control protocol connection is to be initiated

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Method performed by a first network node (611) for determining whether a second Multi Path Transmission Control Protocol, MPTCP, connection (622) between the first network node (611) and a second network node (612) is to be initiated. The second MPTCP connection is part of a connection path (640) between a first device (631) and a second device (632). The second MPTCP connection (622) is in accordance with a second communication technology. The first network node (611) and the second network node (612) have an ongoing first MPTCP connection (621) in accordance with a first communication technology. The first network node (611) determines (701) an amount of resources associated with a usage of the first MPTCP connection (621). The first network node (611) determines (702) whether the second MPTCP connection (622) is to be initiated, based on whether the determined amount of resources meets a first criterion.