QUIC Stream Steering Across Multiaccess Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ATSSS solutions, such as MPTCP and ATSSS-LL, have limitations in steering non-TCP traffic and lack delay measurement capabilities, leading to inefficient data routing across multiple access networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a QUIC-based steering functionality, known as MPQUIC, which establishes multiple QUIC connections over different access networks, negotiates QoS flows, and selects stream or datagram transport modes for data packets, enabling stream-aware traffic steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple QUIC connections are established to improve reliability and throughput, then data transmission reliability and speed are improved, but connection management complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission task by establishing multiple independent QUIC connections (first QUIC connection for reliable data, second QUIC connection for signaling). This segmentation allows parallel processing of different transmission functions, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through functional separation rather than monolithic handling of all connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a steering mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the application layer and multiple QUIC connections. This steering component manages connection selection, data routing, and resource allocation, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the application layer while maintaining the benefits of multiple connections for improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If connection steering mechanism is added to manage multiple QUIC connections, then connection management is simplified, but protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection management easeVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, handling connection selection, data routing, error management, and resource allocation through a single unified component. This universal approach simplifies connection management from the application perspective while consolidating protocol complexity into a dedicated steering layer rather than scattering it across multiple management functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If data is transmitted over multiple QUIC connections, then throughput and reliability are improved, but resource consumption and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission throughputVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by establishing multiple QUIC connections selectively based on transmission requirements rather than always maintaining maximum connections. The steering mechanism dynamically allocates resources and activates additional connections only when needed, improving throughput when beneficial while reducing resource consumption during normal single-connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4497234B1Sending data using steering in a selected QUIC connection
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP4497234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4497234B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4497234B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for multipath QUIC for ATSSS using stream-aware steering mode. One method includes establishing a multiaccess data connection with a mobile communication network. The method includes establishing a plurality of QUIC connections, each QUIC connection supporting data transmission with a mobile communication network over first and second access networks. The method includes detecting a data packet to be transmitted via the multiaccess data connection and selecting a first steering rule from a configured set of steering rules. The method includes selecting a first QUIC connection of the plurality of the QUIC connections. The method includes allocating a new stream in the first QUIC connection, where the new stream is configured to transmit data traffic using a steering mode of the first steering rule and sending the data packet using the new stream.