Multicast to Unicast Frame Conversion for Wireless Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless IP Multicast communication faces issues with re-transmission processing, leading to lower quality transmission due to frame errors, and requires complex protocols and expensive routers, making it inefficient and costly for applications like airplane entertainment systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that converts Multicast frames to Unicast frames for transmission over a wireless path using protocols with re-transmission processing, allowing for high-quality Multicast communication without the need for re-transmission at the MAC layer and using standard general-purpose devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If IP Multicast is used for wireless communication, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to lack of re-transmission processing
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into wired and wireless portions. IP Multicast is used for the wired portion to achieve bandwidth efficiency, while Unicast with re-transmission processing is used for the wireless portion to ensure reliability. This segmentation allows each protocol to operate in its optimal environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A router acts as an intermediary device that receives Multicast frames from the wired network and converts them to Unicast frames for wireless transmission. This intermediary enables the transition between Multicast and Unicast protocols at the boundary of different network types.
2Device complexity
If Multicast protocol is used for wireless transmission, then network complexity is reduced, but transmission quality deteriorates due to frame errors
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using Multicast protocol for wireless transmission (which lacks re-transmission capability), the invention inverts the approach by using Unicast protocol for wireless transmission. This inversion enables re-transmission processing to correct frame errors, significantly improving transmission quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized Multicast routers are used, then Multicast functionality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses standard routers that can perform basic routing functions, rather than specialized expensive Multicast routers. The standard routers are configured to convert Multicast frames to Unicast frames, achieving Multicast functionality through software configuration rather than specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive standard routers instead of expensive specialized Multicast routers. These standard routers are sufficient for the frame conversion function and can be easily replaced or reconfigured, reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system performs high-quality communication using Multicast communication where re-transmission processing is performed. The wireless communication system includes a program distribution unit for distributing a program using the Multicast communication; a first communication path for transmitting the program distributed from the program distribution unit; first communication units; user terminals; and a second and the user terminal and is also a wireless communication path where the re-transmission of a frame is performed, wherein the first communication unit selects a Multicast frame of a program requested by the user terminal from the first communication path, converts the selected Multicast frame into a Unicast frame, and transmits the converted Unicast frame to the user terminal.