MPTCP Data Transmission for Video Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing MPTCP scheduling algorithms consume excessive data traffic and cause frame freezing due to inadequate detection of WIFI network signal weakness, leading to inefficient use of cellular network resources and poor user experience in video streaming.
Innovation Solution
An MPTCP data transmission method that dynamically adjusts TCP connections between cellular and WIFI networks by monitoring real-time data accumulation and switching between single and dual connection modes based on bandwidth requirements, ensuring efficient data transfer and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the mobile phone preferentially uses only the TCP connection corresponding to the WIFI network to receive a data stream, then data traffic of the cellular network is saved, but frame freezing occurs during video playing and the video playing is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management by transitioning from a static single-connection mode to a dynamic multi-connection mode. The system continuously monitors data reception status and network conditions, switching between using only WIFI connection, only cellular connection, or both connections simultaneously based on real-time performance requirements. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to save cellular traffic when WIFI is sufficient while ensuring video smoothness by activating cellular connection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of connection usage from a fixed state to a variable state based on data accumulation thresholds. By monitoring parameters such as data reception rate, buffer status, and network delay, the system adjusts the degree of cellular network utilization. When WIFI alone meets requirements, cellular usage is minimized; when video smoothness is compromised, cellular contribution is increased, thus resolving the trade-off between traffic saving and playback quality.
2Reliability
If the existing MPTCP scheduling algorithm uses a TCP connection with minimum round-trip time preferentially, then connection failure recovery capability is enhanced, but excessive data traffic of the cellular network is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different connection selection strategies to different data streams or data segments based on their specific requirements. Instead of uniformly preferring the minimum RTT connection for all traffic, the system identifies which connections are suitable for which types of data. Critical data requiring fast recovery uses cellular connection, while non-critical data uses WIFI connection, thus maintaining reliability where needed while minimizing cellular traffic consumption overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data stream into different portions that can be transmitted through different TCP connections. By dividing the data flow and assigning different segments to WIFI or cellular connections based on their characteristics and requirements, the system enhances recovery capability for critical segments while saving cellular traffic for non-critical segments, resolving the contradiction between reliability and traffic consumption.
3Reliability
If the mobile phone uses the TCP connection corresponding to the cellular network to receive the data stream when WIFI data transmission rate does not meet requirement, then video playing smoothness is improved, but data traffic of the cellular network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors video playback status, buffer levels, and network conditions. When frame freezing or playback unsmoothness is detected, the system provides feedback to activate cellular network support. This feedback loop ensures that cellular traffic is consumed only when actually needed to maintain video smoothness, rather than continuously, thus resolving the contradiction between improving playback quality and minimizing traffic consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using the cellular connection only to the extent necessary to resolve playback issues. Instead of fully switching to cellular network or using both networks at full capacity, the system activates cellular support partially - just enough to meet the minimum requirements for smooth video playback. This partial utilization minimizes cellular traffic consumption while still achieving the goal of improving video smoothness when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a data transmission method and an electronic device. The method includes: An electronic device first establishes an MPTCP connection to an application server, where the MPTCP connection includes a first TCP connection corresponding to a cellular network and a second TCP connection corresponding to a WIFI network. Then, the electronic device receives indication information from an application server, where the indication information includes a type identifier and a parameter used to indicate a bandwidth requirement, and the type identifier is used to indicate a type of a data stream sent by the application server. When the type identifier is a first identifier indicating a low data transmission delay requirement, the electronic device receives, in a first time period after the electronic device receives the indication information, the data stream by using the second TCP connection. When an accumulated data amount actually received by the electronic device in the first time period is less than a product of the parameter and duration corresponding to the first time period, the electronic device receives the data stream in a second time period by using both the first TCP connection and the second TCP connection.