Relay Node Combined L2L3 Acknowledgement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data transmission protocols in networks face inefficiencies due to the lack of effective acknowledgement mechanisms, leading to data loss and corruption, particularly in systems using point to point and end to end methods, which result in unnecessary retransmissions and overload at intermediate nodes.
Innovation Solution
A relay node capable of processing notifications at a higher protocol layer (L3) and sending combined acknowledgments (L2L3 acks) to efficiently manage data transmission, allowing for timely deletion of stored data and reduced retransmissions by monitoring for acknowledgments and sending confirmations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point to point acknowledgement method is used at L2, then data loss at individual link segments can be detected and retransmitted, but intermediate nodes experience data overload and unnecessary retransmissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines L2 and L3 acknowledgement functions into a single unified mechanism. The relay node generates a single acknowledgement notification that serves both L2 (confirming receipt from source node) and L3 (confirming forwarding to destination node) protocols, eliminating the need for separate acknowledgement transmissions and reducing intermediate node processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The acknowledgement notification serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an L2 acknowledgement confirming data receipt at the relay node, an L3 acknowledgement confirming data forwarding to the destination node, and a trigger for data deletion from the relay node's buffer. This multi-functionality reduces protocol complexity and improves processing efficiency.
2Productivity
If end to end acknowledgement method is used at L3, then intermediate node processing is simplified, but data loss in intermediate link segments cannot be detected and retransmissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end-to-end transmission path into individual link segments (source-to-relay and relay-to-destination), with each segment having its own acknowledgement mechanism. The relay node monitors for acknowledgements from both segments independently, enabling detection of data loss at any specific link while maintaining efficient processing at intermediate nodes.
3Reliability
If data is stored at relay node for retransmission, then data loss can be recovered, but network bandwidth is consumed by redundant retransmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the relay node monitors for acknowledgement notifications from both the source node (L2 ack) and destination node (L3 ack). Based on this feedback, the relay node intelligently determines when to delete stored data, ensuring reliable recovery only when necessary and avoiding redundant retransmissions that would consume network bandwidth.
Data Source
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AI summary
In sending data in a network from a sending node to a receiving node via a relay node, it is convenient to send notifications acknowledging that the data has been correctly received over each individual stage of transmission, and further to send notifications acknowledging to the sending node that data has been correctly transmitted over the whole transmission path and received at the receiving node. However, sending notifications acknowledging such receipt places a burden on the network. The present invention provides a relay node adapted receive a notification arranged to notify both the sending node and receiving node of receipt of data at the receiving node. This reduces the burden on the system, whilst allowing notification of data transmission over single stages and over the whole transmission path.