Recovery Module Migrates TCP Connections for Streaming Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TCP migrating/recovery solutions require heavy-duty proxies, changes to client and server operating systems, and increase network bandwidth, failing to provide seamless continuity for streaming content during server failures or migrations.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a Recovery Module (RM) that migrates data transfer connections to a new server upon detection of interruptions, using a Fast Path Offloading (FPO) controller to maintain TCP connections without altering client or server software, and includes a database for storing connection information and a traffic analyzer to analyze and redirect packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proxy server is used to provide streaming content, then service continuity is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the proxy functionality into a lightweight recovery module that only handles interruption recovery scenarios, rather than using a full-featured proxy server. This allows selective interception of TCP packets only when needed, reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption while maintaining service continuity when interruptions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery module implements localized quality control by analyzing TCP packet characteristics to determine when intervention is necessary. It selectively processes only the packets related to interrupted streams, avoiding unnecessary processing and bandwidth consumption for normal uninterrupted traffic.
2Reliability
If heavy-duty proxies are used for TCP migration, then fault tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential fault tolerance functionality from complex proxy systems, implementing a dedicated recovery module that handles specifically TCP interruption recovery. This separates the fault tolerance function from general proxy operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery module acts as a lightweight intermediary between the client and server, intercepting TCP packets only when interruptions are detected. This mediator approach provides fault tolerance without requiring complex changes to client or server systems, simplifying the overall architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If changes are made to client or server operating systems, then migration capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery module serves as an intermediary that enables TCP migration without requiring modifications to client or server operating systems. By positioning itself in the network path, it can intercept and redirect packets while maintaining the appearance of direct communication, thus preserving ease of operation while achieving migration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service migration capability where the recovery module automatically detects interruptions and initiates migration procedures without requiring user intervention or system configuration changes. This maintains ease of operation while providing adaptability for migration scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device to mitigate interruptions in content downloading from a content server to a client device in a client-server network is disclosed. The device includes a recovery module (RM) to migrate a data transfer connection from a first server to a second server responsive to detection of an interruption in data transfer from the first server. The migrated data transfer connection may include an instruction associated with an amount of data transferred prior to the interruption in data transfer.