Protocol Header Compression via Synchronized Sequence Numbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data compression solutions for packet networks, particularly in voice communications, are inefficient due to redundant protocol headers and lack support for encryption, leading to increased bandwidth usage and latency issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that synchronize sequence numbers between protocol layers to remove redundant fields from protocol headers, integrating encryption processing for efficient compression and decompression, using a template-based approach to predict and replace sequence numbers, thereby reducing the total IP packet size and enhancing transmission speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protocol headers contain all necessary information for each layer, then protocol functionality and reliability are ensured, but bandwidth consumption increases and transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts redundant protocol header fields from the data transmission. Specifically, it removes fields that can be derived from sequence number synchronization between protocol layers, such as certain checksums and control fields, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining protocol functionality through the synchronization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence number field serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ordering information, enables synchronization between protocol layers, and allows for the derivation of other header fields through mathematical relationships. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate redundant fields.
2Productivity
If sequence numbers are synchronized across protocol layers, then header compression efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization of sequence numbers between protocol layers before data transmission begins. This preliminary action establishes the mathematical relationships and synchronization state in advance, allowing for efficient compression during data transmission without requiring complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by establishing deterministic mathematical relationships between sequence numbers of different protocol layers. Instead of transmitting all header fields independently, the system uses transformed sequence number parameters that can be derived through simple mathematical operations, reducing complexity while improving compression efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If existing compression algorithms are used, then some bandwidth reduction is achieved, but latency increases and packet loss tolerance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous compression operation without interruption for packet loss. The synchronization mechanism continues to function across lost packets through robust sequence number tracking, eliminating the need to reset compression state and thereby reducing latency while maintaining bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates error detection and synchronization recovery mechanisms that are prepared in advance. When packet loss occurs, the pre-established synchronization relationships allow for quick recovery without resetting the compression state, cushioning against latency increases.
4Loss of energy
If protocol headers are compressed, then bandwidth usage is reduced, but encryption compatibility becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol header into compressible fields and non-compressible fields. The sequence number synchronization mechanism operates on the compressible portions, while encryption fields are handled separately. This segmentation allows compression to be applied to specific header fields without compromising encryption compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized sequence number acts as an intermediary that enables compression without requiring direct modification of encrypted fields. The sequence number provides the necessary synchronization information that allows compression algorithms to function correctly even when encryption is applied to protocol headers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting data packets includes a sending node. The sending node includes means for forming the data packets using two or more communications protocols. A first protocol includes means to associate with a data load a first header having one or more fields. A second protocol includes means to associate with the data load a second header having one or more fields. The sending node includes compression means for removing one or more fields of the first header. A value of a removed field is predictable by reference to values of one or more fields of the second protocol. A predefined template is used to remove the one or more fields of the first header for compression and to replace the removed field for decompression. The predefined template is identified by a template number included in an added header.