MPTCP Traffic Distribution via Network Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-Path TCP (MPTCP) assumes all data paths are equally valid for data packet transmission, failing to account for scenarios where it is advantageous to bias traffic towards a particular path based on characteristics other than link conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify data sub-flows and monitor their characteristics to modify transmission properties, ensuring the proportion of data packets across multiple paths meets a predetermined target distribution, using a hub device on the data network to manipulate packet flow metrics such as latency and window size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MPTCP treats all data paths as equally valid, then path selection flexibility is improved, but traffic distribution control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (network device) positioned between the sender and receiver that acts as a mediator to adjust packet flow metrics. This intermediary modifies latency, window size, or packet loss characteristics of specific data paths without requiring changes to the MPTCP protocol itself, thereby enabling traffic distribution control while preserving path selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting packet flow metrics (latency, window size, packet loss rate) of individual data paths. By modifying these parameters, the system can bias traffic distribution towards or away from specific paths based on predetermined criteria, while the underlying MPTCP mechanism continues to operate with its inherent path selection flexibility.
2Reliability
If MPTCP allows packets to take different data paths, then transmission reliability is improved, but packet reordering complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-ordering packets before they are distributed across multiple data paths. The intermediary device maintains knowledge of the original packet sequence and uses this information to correctly reorder packets at the receiver end, thereby managing reordering complexity in advance rather than reacting to out-of-order arrivals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the intermediary device monitors packet transmission status and uses this information to adjust packet flow metrics dynamically. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain transmission reliability by detecting and correcting issues while managing reordering complexity through informed decision-making based on real-time network conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If packet flow metrics are modified to meet target distribution, then traffic distribution precision is improved, but network intervention complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the intermediary device to automatically adjust packet flow metrics based on predetermined target distributions without requiring manual configuration or complex external control systems. The device monitors actual traffic distribution and autonomously modifies latency, window size, or packet loss parameters to achieve the desired distribution, thereby improving precision while keeping intervention complexity manageable through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
In Multipath Transport Layer Protocol (MPTCP) data transmission, data packets are sent from a transmitter to a receiver over at least two data paths, for example using a cellular data connection and a wireless network data connection. An apparatus located at a common point in the data paths is used to monitor the characteristics of any data flows in a MPTCP connection and to manipulate the packet characteristics of the data flows to ensure the MPTCP performance matches a predetermined data distribution target.