Multipath TCP Terminal Data Transmission via Multiple Access Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transmission methods in Wi-Fi networks are inefficient as terminal devices can only access one access point at a time, leading to unstable network signals, increased user waiting times, and disrupted data transmission due to the need to re-establish TCP connections when switching between access points.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a data transmission method that uses Multipath TCP to allow simultaneous data transmission over multiple access nodes through multiple ports of a single physical network interface card, enabling seamless switching without disconnecting the TCP connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a terminal device accesses only one AP at a time, then the device can maintain a simple connection management, but the network signal becomes unstable and data transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection management complexityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple AP connections into a single terminal device, allowing simultaneous access to multiple access points. The system combines network interfaces from different APs and creates virtual network interfaces that aggregate multiple physical connections, enabling the terminal to utilize multiple network paths concurrently for improved data transmission efficiency while maintaining stable network signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single terminal device to perform both single-AP and multi-AP connection modes. The system provides universal network access capabilities that can adapt to different network environments, allowing the terminal to function as if it has multiple physical network interface cards while actually sharing a single physical interface through virtualization techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the terminal switches to another AP with higher signal strength, then the network signal quality improves, but the TCP connection must be re-established causing data to be reloaded and increasing user waiting time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork signal qualityVSAvoiduser waiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing TCP connections through multiple APs before switching is needed. The system maintains multiple network interfaces in advance and pre-configures TCP connections across different APs, so when a switch is necessary, the connection is already prepared and can be activated immediately without breaking the data flow, thus avoiding user waiting time and data reloading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining persistent TCP connections across AP switches. The system uses network interface sharing and connection migration techniques to keep TCP sessions alive during AP transitions, allowing data transmission to continue uninterrupted. This eliminates the need to disconnect and re-establish TCP connections, preventing data reloading and reducing user waiting time while maintaining high signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual Wi-Fi technology is used to virtualize one physical network interface card into multiple wireless adapters, then the terminal can access multiple APs, but only one wireless network can be used for data transmission at a time requiring manual switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-AP access capabilityVSAvoidmanual switching requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling automatic AP selection and connection switching without user intervention. The system includes a connection manager that automatically monitors signal quality, performance metrics, and network conditions across multiple APs, then autonomously selects the optimal AP for data transmission and handles the switching process transparently. This eliminates the need for manual switching while maintaining ease of operation, allowing the terminal to access multiple APs and automatically utilize the best available connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3793266B1Data transmission method and apparatus for terminal
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3793266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3793266B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3793266B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a data transmission method and apparatus for a terminal. The terminal exchanges data of an application with a server through a first port by using a first access node; when one port in a second port set is in an enabled state, accesses one access node in a candidate access node set through the enabled port in the second port set, and exchanges, based on the Multipath TCP, the data of the application with the server by using an access node corresponding to the enabled port. Therefore, during data transmission link aggregation or switching, network resources are fully utilized and data transmission efficiency is improved.