Network Segmentation Manager for Large Data Packet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network communication channels often establish maximum transmission units (MTUs) that are smaller than the data processing capabilities of network nodes, leading to inefficient utilization of computing resources and limitations in transmitting and receiving large data packets, as existing solutions like TCP segmentation offload and jumbo frames face issues with overhead, latency, and congestion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a segmentation and reassembly manager at network nodes to segment large data packets into smaller segments with separate headers, allowing them to be transmitted and reassembled efficiently, even when exceeding MTU limits, while maintaining compatibility with existing protocols and minimizing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network nodes process larger blocks of data, then processing efficiency and resource utilization improve, but communication channels are constrained by fixed MTU limits that prevent transmission of large data packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments large data packets into smaller data segments that can be transmitted through communication channels with fixed MTU limits. Each segment is independently transmitted and then reassembled at the destination, allowing the system to overcome the MTU constraint while maintaining the ability to handle large data blocks for improved processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested data structures where data segments contain headers with metadata about the original large packet. This nesting allows the segments to carry information about their parent packet, enabling proper reassembly while accommodating the segmentation necessary to fit within MTU constraints
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing solutions like TCP segmentation offload and jumbo frames are used, then data transmission is enabled, but overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the segmentation and reassembly functions from the traditional TCP layer and implements them at the network node level using dedicated segmentation managers. This extraction allows for more efficient processing by eliminating unnecessary overhead associated with TCP segmentation offload and avoiding the latency issues of jumbo frames
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary data segment headers that contain metadata about the original packet and segment information. These intermediaries enable efficient reassembly at the destination without requiring complex processing, thereby reducing latency while maintaining transmission capability
3Productivity
If network nodes are designed to handle larger data blocks, then resource utilization improves, but compatibility with existing communication standards that use smaller MTU is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic segmentation where the system can adaptively divide large data blocks into appropriate-sized segments based on the MTU constraints of the communication channel. This dynamic approach allows network nodes with high processing capabilities to work seamlessly with existing communication standards that have smaller MTU limits, maintaining both resource utilization efficiency and protocol compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed for forwarding or receiving data segments associated with a large data packets. In some examples, a large data packet may be segmented into a number of data segments having separate headers that include identifiers to associate the data segments with the large data packet. The data segments with separate headers may then be forwarded from a network node via a communication channel. In other examples, the data segments with separate headers may be received at another network node and then recombined to form the large data packet at the other network node. Other examples are described and claimed.