Multipath TCP Connection Establishment via Parallel Network Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Multipath Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) faces connectivity issues when the primary chosen route fails to establish a connection, leading to delayed or failed communication between network entities, especially in hybrid access scenarios where multiple network interfaces are used, as it relies on the network layer's routing functionality and defaults to a single route, causing delays and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a first request is transmitted via a primary network flow, and at least one second request is transmitted via a secondary network flow before receiving a reply to the first request, allowing for communication connection establishment based on either request, thereby ensuring robust connection establishment even if the primary request fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MPTCP relies on the network layer's routing functionality to establish connections, then it can use multiple interfaces and paths for communication, but it experiences delays and connection failures when the primary route is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting connection requests through multiple network flows concurrently before the primary connection is established. Instead of waiting for the primary route to fail and then switching to alternatives, the system proactively initiates backup connection attempts in parallel, ensuring that a connection is already available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of connection establishment from sequential (one route at a time) to parallel (multiple routes simultaneously). By modifying the TCP connection initiation process to send multiple SYN packets through different network interfaces concurrently, the system transforms the unreliable sequential approach into a reliable parallel approach where at least one connection is guaranteed to succeed.
2Device complexity
If MPTCP waits for the primary route to be established before using alternative paths, then it maintains a simple connection management protocol, but it experiences increased connection establishment time and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing backup connection paths before they are actually needed. When a host wants to communicate with another host, it simultaneously initiates connection requests through multiple network flows rather than sequentially trying each path. This preliminary establishment of alternatives eliminates waiting time while adding minimal complexity to the connection management process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing a communication connection between a first network entity and a second network entity via at least two different network flows includes: transmitting a first request, by the first network entity, directed to the second network entity via a first network flow; transmitting at least one second request, by the first network entity, directed to the second network entity via at least one second network flow, wherein the at least one second request is transmitted by the first network entity before the first network entity receives a reply to the first request from the second network entity; and establishing the communication connection between the first network entity and the second network entity based on at least one of the first request or the at least one second request.