Proxy Server Session Continuity in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TCP protocols are not optimized for cellular data networks, leading to disruptions in mobile device sessions due to dynamic IP address changes, resulting in incomplete or restarted downloads when signal connections are lost.
Innovation Solution
A unique identifier is created on the mobile device, acting as a permanent address for packet transmission, allowing the proxy server to continue data transfer to a new IP address without restarting the session when the IP address changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device uses dynamic IP addressing in cellular data networks, then the device can connect to different networks and locations, but the session is disrupted when the IP address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the data network. The proxy server maintains the TCP session by receiving data packets intended for the mobile device's original IP address and forwarding them to the device's current IP address. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the session management from the mobile device's IP address changes, allowing the session to persist even as the device moves between networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile device changes IP addresses frequently, then the device can access different networks, but data transfer must be restarted from scratch
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server acts as an intermediary that tracks the mobile device's IP address changes and maintains the data transfer session. When the device obtains a new IP address, the proxy server updates its routing information and continues forwarding data packets to the new address without requiring the transfer to restart. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining session state on the proxy server rather than tying it to a specific IP address.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional TCP protocols are used in cellular data networks, then standard internet connectivity is achieved, but session continuity is lost when signal is lost or IP changes
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server serves as an intermediary that implements session persistence logic. It maintains the TCP connection state and continues forwarding data packets even when the mobile device experiences signal loss or IP address changes. The proxy server buffers and retransmits data as needed, ensuring session continuity while maintaining compatibility with standard TCP protocols used in traditional internet connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the application running on mobile device creates a unique identifier. This unique identifier acts as the “permanent address” for sending packets from the proxy server to the mobile application. The current IP address of the device is used as a “temporary forwarding address” for the packet. When the IP address of the mobile device changes, the application on the device quickly informs the proxy server about this change. This allows the proxy server to continue sending the remaining data of this download session to the newly acquired IP address without having to restart the entire download session from scratch.