Multi-path Wireless Routing via Transport Layer Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in providing high-quality multi-path communications due to uneven quality across different wireless access networks, such as WiFi and LTE, leading to issues like packet collisions and degraded throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where signals are routed based on transport layer identifiers, allowing diversion to different wireless access paths without modifying the network layer, ensuring correct destination delivery by comparing transport and network layer information, and using network policies to determine re-routing of specific signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transmitted over multiple wireless access paths simultaneously, then network throughput and link reliability are improved, but routing complexity and packet delivery uncertainty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into distinct paths, each handled by separate network layer contexts. Multiple network layer sockets are created, one for each wireless access path (WiFi, LTE, etc.), allowing independent routing and management of data segments through different networks without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The transport layer acts as an intermediary that manages multiple network layer sockets and routes packets appropriately. It maintains mapping between transport layer identifiers and network layer sockets, enabling intelligent packet routing based on path characteristics and current network conditions without requiring application layer involvement
2Speed
If WiFi network is used for data transmission, then peak data rates are achieved, but packet collisions and throughput degradation occur due to contention-based access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wireless access networks (WiFi and cellular networks like LTE/HSPA) into a unified multi-path communication system. Different network types with complementary characteristics are combined to achieve both high speed and reliable transmission, allowing traffic to be distributed across networks based on their respective strengths
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different wireless access paths based on real-time network conditions, packet characteristics, and performance requirements. The transport layer can adaptively route different packets or packet flows through different networks, changing routing decisions dynamically rather than using static paths
3Reliability
If cellular network (LTE/HSPA) is used for data transmission, then ubiquitous coverage and collision-free access are achieved, but bandwidth is limited and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different network paths are assigned to different types of traffic based on local quality requirements. Time-sensitive or small packet traffic that benefits from collision-free access uses cellular networks, while bulk data transfer that requires high bandwidth utilizes WiFi networks. Each path is optimized for its specific traffic type
4Reliability
If transport layer identifiers are used to indicate wireless access paths, then correct destination delivery is ensured despite re-routing, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing network layer sockets and configuring routing rules before data transmission begins. The transport layer pre-maps transport layer identifiers to network layer sockets and pre-configures routing policies, so that during actual data transmission, packets can be routed efficiently without complex real-time analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A client and a server communicate over multiple wireless access paths each using a different wireless network. A method performed at the server comprises receiving at the server a signal from the client via one of multiple wireless access paths, the signal comprising a transport layer portion including a transport layer identifier, the transport layer identifier providing an indication of a wireless access path, a network layer portion, and a data portion, determining from the transport layer identifier, a destination of at least a subset of the signals from the wireless access path indicated by the transport layer identifier, and routing the signal to the destination. If a flow is diverted to travel via a different route, then there must be some mechanism to ensure that the signal arrives at its intended destination. Preferably, a Multi-path Transport Control Protocol (MPTCP) is used as the transport layer protocol.