MPTCP Scheduler Using External Sub-Flow Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MPTCP scheduling methods are inefficient due to reliance on local knowledge, leading to delays and unnecessary retransmissions, as they do not account for external information about sub-flows, which can result in sub-optimal throughput for the communication network.
Innovation Solution
An MPTCP scheduler that receives external information about sub-flows to make data scheduling decisions, allowing it to choose the optimal sub-flows for data transmission based on received information, such as RAN capabilities and network operator preferences, thereby optimizing overall throughput and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MPTCP scheduling relies only on local knowledge, then the scheduling decision process is simple and fast, but the throughput optimization and retransmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (MPTCP scheduler with extended functionality) that collects external information about sub-flow conditions from multiple sources, processes this information centrally, and makes informed scheduling decisions. This intermediary structure allows the system to utilize global network knowledge without requiring complex distributed decision-making at each node, thus improving throughput while managing complexity through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the scheduler continuously monitors external information about sub-flow conditions (such as network status, interface availability, and transmission performance) and adjusts scheduling decisions based on this feedback. This allows the system to optimize throughput dynamically by responding to changing network conditions, while the feedback loop structure provides a systematic approach to handling complexity.
2Reliability
If MPTCP scheduling uses only local knowledge, then the implementation is simpler, but delays and unnecessary retransmissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively collecting and processing external information about sub-flow conditions before scheduling decisions are made. The scheduler gathers information about network status, interface availability, and transmission performance in advance, allowing it to predict optimal scheduling choices and avoid delays or unnecessary retransmissions. This proactive approach improves reliability by preventing problems before they occur, while the structured information collection process manages complexity through systematic data gathering.
3Productivity
If external information is incorporated into scheduling decisions, then throughput and cost optimization improve, but the scheduling system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the MPTCP scheduler to perform multiple functions: collecting external information from various sources, processing and analyzing this information, making scheduling decisions, and adapting to different network conditions. This multi-functional scheduler consolidates diverse tasks into a single coordinated system, improving network throughput through informed decisions while managing complexity by avoiding the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method performed in a Multipath Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) scheduler which is scheduling a TCP flow between a first peer (7) and an MPTCP capable second peer (2). The method comprises setting up the TCP flow comprising at least two sub-flows (8) connecting the MPTCP capable second peer, each sub-flow being associated with an address for the MPTCP capable second peer. The method also comprises receiving external information relating to at least one of the at least two sub-flows. The method also comprises scheduling data in the TCP flow based on the received external information, wherein the scheduling comprises choosing which sub-flow or sub-flows of the at least two sub-flows to schedule the data via, based on the received external information. The present disclosure also relates to an MPTCP scheduler as well as an MPTCP proxy and an MPTCP capable peer comprising such a scheduler.