Multi-Connectivity Interface Selection via Condition Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multipath network protocols, such as MPTCP, rely on the default communication interface for initial connection establishment, which can lead to connectivity issues if the primary route fails, and require modifications to existing network protocols, limiting their compatibility and robustness in hybrid access scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method that selects the initial communication interface based on a condition matrix and decision look-up table, which compares measured condition values to determine the most likely successful interface for establishing a connection, allowing for dynamic adaptation to the communication environment without modifying existing protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If MPTCP relies on the default communication interface for initial connection establishment, then the connection setup process is simplified, but the reliability of connection establishment deteriorates when the primary route fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup processVSAvoidconnection establishment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively testing multiple communication interfaces before establishing the main connection. The method evaluates candidate interfaces using condition matrices that assess various parameters (signal strength, network type, historical performance) and pre-determines the most suitable interface for initial connection, thereby avoiding reliance on a single default interface that might fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by dynamically selecting different communication interfaces based on evaluated conditions. Instead of using a fixed default interface, the method adjusts the selection of interface parameters (such as interface type, protocol configuration, and routing preferences) based on real-time network conditions and pre-established condition matrices, thereby improving connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If modifications are made to existing network protocols to enable multi-interface selection, then the robustness of connection establishment improves, but the compatibility with existing systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment robustnessVSAvoidprotocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer that sits between the application and the network protocol stack. This intermediary component (the condition matrix evaluation mechanism) handles the complexity of multi-interface selection and protocol modifications internally, while presenting a standard, unmodified protocol interface to external systems. This allows robust multi-interface connection establishment without requiring changes to existing network protocols or reducing compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple communication interfaces are tested for connection establishment, then the likelihood of successful connection improves, but the time required for connection setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection success likelihoodVSAvoidconnection setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple communication interfaces using pre-established condition matrices that assess signal strength, network type, and historical performance data. By conducting this evaluation beforehand and caching the results, the system identifies the most promising interface quickly without performing exhaustive testing at connection time, thus improving success likelihood while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses lightweight, rapid probing mechanisms to test candidate interfaces. Instead of establishing full connections for testing purposes, it employs quick diagnostic checks that consume minimal time and resources. These disposable test connections are established and torn down rapidly to gather necessary information, allowing multiple interfaces to be evaluated without significant time penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3817305B1Route and interface selection techniques for multi-connectivity network protocols
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3817305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3817305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a methods and network entities for establishing a multi-connectivity communication between a first network entity and a second network entity via at least two different network flows, the method comprising: assigning a specific communication interface to each of the different network flows of the first network entity; measuring condition values of each of the different network flows by a measuring unit associated to the first network entity; comparing the measured condition values of the different network flows to entries of a condition matrix, the condition matrix being stored in a memory of the first network entity; selecting one of the specific communication interface as an initial communication interface based on the comparison of the measured condition values of the different network flows to the entries of a condition matrix; transmitting a first communication request by the first network entity directed to the second network entity via the initial communication interface; and setting up a first network flow between the first network entity and the second network entity based on the first communication request.