Packet Loss Classification for Wireless Throughput Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Current network transport protocols that use packet loss as an indication of network congestion often reduce data transmission rates unnecessarily, leading to poor link utilization due to residual transmission errors in wireless networks caused by fluctuating signal strength, thermal noise, and interference, which existing solutions do not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A method that classifies packet loss by receiving selective acknowledgments to differentiate between congestion loss and transmission errors, adjusting the data transmission rate accordingly, with specific strategies for clustered and unclustered packet losses to optimize delivery strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packet loss is used as an indication of network congestion to dynamically adjust data transmission rate, then network congestion control is improved, but data transmission rate is unnecessarily reduced due to transmission errors in wireless networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork congestion controlVSAvoiddata transmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet loss into two distinct categories: congestion loss (clustered packet loss) and transmission error loss (unclustered packet loss). By classifying packet loss based on whether lost packets are clustered together or scattered, the system can differentiate between congestion-induced loss and wireless transmission errors, applying appropriate responses to each type rather than treating all packet loss uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of data transmission rate based on the classification of packet loss. When clustered packet loss is detected (indicating congestion), the transmission rate is reduced. When unclustered packet loss is detected (indicating transmission errors), the transmission rate is maintained. This dynamic response optimizes both congestion control and transmission efficiency in wireless networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If data transmission rate is reduced to accommodate transmission errors, then packet loss due to transmission errors is reduced, but link utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket loss due to transmission errorsVSAvoidlink utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet loss into two distinct categories: congestion loss (clustered packet loss) and transmission error loss (unclustered packet loss). By classifying packet loss based on whether lost packets are clustered together or scattered, the system can differentiate between congestion-induced loss and wireless transmission errors, applying appropriate responses to each type rather than treating all packet loss uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of data transmission rate based on the classification of packet loss. When clustered packet loss is detected (indicating congestion), the transmission rate is reduced. When unclustered packet loss is detected (indicating transmission errors), the transmission rate is maintained. This dynamic response optimizes both congestion control and transmission efficiency in wireless networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing error control techniques like FEC and ARQ are applied, then transmission errors are corrected, but residual transmission errors still occur and are not detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission error correctionVSAvoidresidual transmission errors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback through selective acknowledgments to detect residual transmission errors. The receiving end sends selective acknowledgments indicating which packets were successfully received, allowing the sending end to identify unclustered packet loss that persists despite error control techniques. This feedback mechanism enables detection of residual errors that FEC and ARQ failed to correct.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8036223B2Method, apparatus and system for improving packet throughput based on classification of packet loss in data transmissions

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method, apparatus and system for managing loss of packets in data transmissions is provided. In a method embodiment, selective acknowledgements are received at a sending computer from a receiving computer. The sending computer is configured to analyze patterns in the selective acknowledgements and infer a type of packet loss. As a result of the inference, the packet delivery strategy from the sending computer can be adjusted.