Network Node Dynamic Radio Interface Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies face challenges in providing consistent multi-path wireless services due to uneven quality across different radio interfaces, such as WiFi and cellular networks, leading to reduced throughput and increased latency, especially under heavy loads and interference from middle-boxes like NATs and firewalls.
Innovation Solution
A network node that dynamically selects and switches between different radio interfaces and data transport protocols, such as 3GPP and IEEE standards, to optimize communication performance by pre-establishing sockets and using UDP-encapsulated TCP for asymmetric routing to bypass middle-box interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-path data delivery over parallel wireless links is implemented, then throughput and link reliability are improved, but uneven quality across different radio interfaces causes performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and protocol adaptation mechanisms that allow the system to adjust routing decisions and protocol parameters in real-time based on current network conditions. The controller monitors link quality metrics and dynamically reconfigures data flow distribution across multiple paths, enabling the system to maintain high throughput and reliability despite varying interface qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including protocol selection (TCP vs UDP), routing metrics, and data flow distribution ratios based on detected network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes performance across heterogeneous radio interfaces with different quality characteristics.
2Productivity
If asymmetric routing of TCP data is used to avoid middle-box interference, then capacity is boosted, but middle-boxes block the connection due to observing only one half of the data flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between asymmetric routing requirements and middle-box expectations. This layer performs protocol encapsulation and header manipulation to make asymmetric flows appear symmetric to middle-boxes, allowing capacity boosting through asymmetric routing while maintaining connection stability by satisfying middle-box validation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system deliberately implements asymmetric routing where uplink and downlink traffic use different paths or interfaces, boosting overall capacity by utilizing available network resources more efficiently. This asymmetry is carefully managed through protocol adaptation to maintain compatibility with middle-box constraints.
3Speed
If WiFi interface is used for downlink, then peak rates are achieved, but frequent packet collisions under contention-based medium access reduce effective throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts medium access parameters and data flow distribution based on detected collision rates and network load. When collisions are detected on WiFi downlink, the system adapts by adjusting transmission timing, modifying flow distribution ratios, or switching to alternative interfaces, thereby maintaining effective throughput while preserving peak rate capabilities when conditions are favorable.
4Reliability
If cellular HSPA/LTE network is used, then ubiquitous coverage and high spectral efficiency are achieved, but end-to-end packet delivery latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data flows and routes different types of traffic through different interfaces based on their requirements. Time-sensitive traffic is routed through WiFi when available to reduce latency, while non-time-critical traffic uses cellular networks to maintain coverage reliability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both low latency for critical traffic and ubiquitous coverage for all traffic.
Data Source
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AI summary
Network nodes, methods and computer program products are disclosed. The network node is for a wireless telecommunications network and comprises: processing logic operable to execute an application which establishes a data session for transmission of data packets between the network node and another network node; a first radio interface operable to support transmission of data packets with the another network node using a first radio access technology in accordance with any of a plurality of different data transport protocols; a second radio interface operable to support transmission of data packets with the another network node using a second radio access technology in accordance with any of a plurality of different data transport protocols; and a controller operable to select which radio interface and data transport protocol to use for transmission of the data packets of the data session between the network node and the another network node. In this way, the network node is able to transmit data packets between the network node and the other network node for the data session using any of the different radio interfaces and any of the different data transport protocols. This provides for the flexibility to select the radio interfaces and data transport protocols appropriate to the network conditions in order to improve the communication performance and alleviate any performance impacts caused by the network.