Multipath Packet Encapsulation for Transparent Multi-Subflow Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipath transmission solutions require user intervention, such as software upgrades, to enable multipath data transmission, affecting user experience and not utilizing the full potential of multiple network paths available in modern communication environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for multipath data transmission that utilizes intermediate network devices to encapsulate packets based on connection identifiers, allowing seamless multipath transmission without requiring host device upgrades or reconfigurations, using protocols like QUIC to manage multiple subflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard TCP protocol is used with single path transmission, then implementation is simple and compatible, but network resources are wasted and transmission reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary multipath transmission layer between the application layer and transport layer. This intermediary component manages multiple network paths (WiFi, 4G, etc.) and distributes data packets across them, enabling resource aggregation without requiring changes to standard TCP protocol or application software, thus resolving the contradiction between implementation simplicity and resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network transmission path into multiple independent sub-paths (e.g., WiFi path, 4G path) that can operate simultaneously. By dividing the data flow across multiple segments rather than using a single path, the system increases network resource utilization while maintaining compatibility with standard protocols at each segment.
2Reliability
If multipath transmission is implemented through host software upgrades, then transmission reliability improves, but user experience deteriorates due to required operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the multipath transmission functionality in the network infrastructure (gateway or router) rather than in the host device. This intermediary approach allows the host to continue using standard TCP protocol without any software upgrades, while the network intermediary transparently manages multiple paths, thus improving reliability without degrading user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic path selection and management with feedback mechanisms that monitor network conditions (link quality, bandwidth availability) and dynamically adjust packet routing. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for user intervention while maintaining optimal transmission reliability across changing network conditions.
3Productivity
If multiple network interfaces are available, then network resource utilization improves, but path selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-level intermediary (gateway or router) that centralizes the complexity of path selection and management. This intermediary maintains a mapping between virtual connection identifiers and physical network paths, handling the complexity of multi-interface management without requiring the host device to become more complex. The host simply communicates through standard interfaces while the intermediary manages the underlying path selection complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to a multipath data transmission processing method and a network device. A first network device receives a packet from a first host device, and determines a first connection identifier between the first network device and a second network device based on the packet. The first network device encapsulates the packet based on the first connection identifier. The first network device sends the encapsulated packet to the second network device through one of a plurality of subflows between the first network device and the second network device. According to the embodiments of this application, multipath data transmission is implemented, a data transmission rate is increased, and a host device does not perceive a plurality of paths. The embodiments of this application can be applied to any existing communications system.