Proxy-Based Transport Protocol Selection for Faster Connection Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing a transport protocol connection between a client and a server, such as QUIC, face challenges in determining the best protocol to use when server capabilities are unknown, leading to increased connection setup times and potential overload on servers due to parallel connection attempts.

Innovation Solution

A method implemented in a proxy that receives multiple transport protocol setup messages from a client, selects and sends appropriate messages to the server, and responds based on server responses, optimizing connection setup by prioritizing preferred or acceptable protocols, thereby reducing setup time and server load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parallel connection attempts are made using multiple transport protocols, then the best protocol can be selected, but server overload increases and connection setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport protocol selectionVSAvoidconnection setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the client send transport protocol capability information to the proxy before attempting connections. The proxy uses this pre-provided information to determine server capabilities in advance, allowing it to select the appropriate transport protocol without requiring parallel connection attempts. This eliminates the need for time-consuming parallel connection setup while still achieving optimal protocol selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If parallel connection attempts are made using multiple transport protocols, then the best protocol can be selected, but server load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport protocol selectionVSAvoidserver overload
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the proxy as an intermediary between the client and server. The proxy receives transport protocol capability information from the client, determines server capabilities, and selects the appropriate transport protocol based on this information. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for parallel connection attempts that would otherwise overload the server, while still achieving optimal transport protocol selection through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Alt-SVC is used to switch transport protocols, then protocol flexibility is improved, but connection setup time increases due to additional setup requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport protocol switchingVSAvoidconnection setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the client provide transport protocol capability information to the proxy before connection establishment. The proxy uses this pre-provided information to determine server capabilities and select the appropriate transport protocol in advance, eliminating the need for additional Alt-SVC header processing and re-setup procedures. This reduces connection setup time while maintaining transport protocol flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4305779B1Method for establishing a transport protocol connection
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4305779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4305779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4305779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for establishing a transport protocol to use between a client and a server are disclosed. In particular there is disclosed a method a proxy, for establishing a transport protocol to use between a client and a server, the method comprising: receiving, from the client, a plurality of transport protocol setup messages; selecting at least one transport protocol setup message from the plurality of transport protocol setup messages; sending at least one transport protocol setup message to the server based on the selected at least one transport protocol setup message; and responsive to receiving from the server at least one transport protocol setup response message corresponding to a transport protocol setup message sent to the server, sending a transport protocol setup response message corresponding to a received transport protocol setup response message to the client.