Adjusting PDU Set Size via Local IP Address Type

The patent introduces an intermediate network device that acts as a mediator between the sender and receiver. This intermediary performs the complex task of receiving the original PSSize value, determining the local IP address type, calculating the adjusted PSSize value, and inserting it into the tunnel header. By centralizing this functionality in an intermediary device, the complexity is managed in one location rather than requiring every endpoint to handle multiple IP address types and perform conversions.

The patent changes the PSSize parameter based on the IP address type. The intermediate network device receives the original PSSize value calculated for one IP version (e.g., IPv4) and transforms it into an adjusted PSSize value appropriate for the local IP address type (e.g., IPv6). This parameter transformation ensures that the size value accurately reflects the actual packet size when tunneling through networks with different IP address types, thereby improving measurement precision.

The intermediate network device performs the PSSize adjustment calculation as part of the normal packet forwarding process. By integrating this calculation into the existing packet handling workflow, the operation is performed proactively before packets are forwarded to the tunnel, ensuring that the adjusted PSSize value is ready when needed. This preliminary action prevents delays that would occur if the calculation were deferred or performed reactively.

The intermediate network device serves as a mediator that handles the time-consuming calculation and header modification tasks. By concentrating these processing functions in a single intermediary device rather than distributing them across multiple endpoints, the system achieves better coordination and can optimize the processing pipeline. The intermediary device can maintain connection state information and perform batch processing, reducing overall processing time while ensuring reliable packet delivery.

The intermediate network device acts as a mediator that performs the header manipulation operations. It receives packets, extracts the original PSSize value, calculates the adjusted value based on the local IP address type, and inserts it into the tunnel header. By centralizing this functionality in an intermediary device, the complexity of header manipulation is managed in one location, and the device can optimize these operations using its knowledge of the network topology and tunneling requirements.

The patent modifies the PSSize parameter in the tunnel header to reflect the actual size of tunneled packets. The intermediate network device calculates the adjusted PSSize value that accounts for the differences between local and global IP address types, ensuring that the header accurately represents the packet size. This parameter change enables receiving devices to correctly process packets and ensures that all packets of a common PDU set are delivered together, improving reliability.