Out-of-order Packet Processing Timer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer networks, out-of-order delivery of data packets is common due to packets following different paths with varying transmission latencies, leading to inefficiencies in packet processing and potential delays in data retransmission.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that utilize a timer to manage out-of-order data packets. When an out-of-order packet is received, a timer is activated, and the system checks for missing packets. If the timer expires without receiving the missing packets, the system requests retransmission, optimizing resource usage and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system waits for in-order packet delivery, then packet processing reliability is improved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by activating a timer when an out-of-order packet is detected, proactively preparing for potential retransmission requests before the missing packet timeout occurs at the sender side, thus preventing unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring packet arrival sequences and using timers to detect missing packets, then sending retransmission requests based on the timer expiration status, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to network conditions
2Productivity
If the system requests retransmission immediately upon detecting out-of-order packets, then processing speed is improved, but resource wastage increases due to premature retransmission requests
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates a timer as a preliminary action when out-of-order packets are detected, allowing it to wait and see if missing packets arrive before requesting retransmission, thus avoiding premature retransmission requests and associated resource wastage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its retransmission strategy based on real-time packet arrival patterns, using the timer mechanism to adapt between waiting for late packets and requesting retransmission, optimizing resource usage under varying network conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses software-based TCP processing, then processing flexibility is improved, but host processor burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timer management and out-of-order packet handling functions from the host processor software stack and implements them in the network interface controller hardware, relieving the host processor of these processing burdens while maintaining TCP processing flexibility through the NIC's integrated capabilities
4Reliability
If the system sends retransmission requests for all missing packets, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but network traffic overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively requesting retransmission only for missing packets that are confirmed to be lost (via timer expiration), rather than requesting retransmission for all potentially delayed packets, thus reducing unnecessary network traffic overhead while maintaining delivery reliability
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a communication apparatus, including a network interface configured to receive over a network a sequence of data packets of a network flow having a defined packet order, wherein the network interface is configured to receive an out-of-order data packet instead of multiple missing data packets according to the defined packet order, a timer, and packet processing circuitry configured to activate the timer responsively to receiving the out-of-order data packet, and set the time period over which the timer is activated responsively to a quantity of the multiple missing data packets.