Retransmission Management for Encrypted Communication Paths

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The reduction in cooperation between communication equipment at the ends of a connection and intermediate equipment negatively impacts the performance of data transmission, particularly in the processing of retransmissions of lost data, leading to connection congestion without guaranteed correct retransmission.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing data retransmissions on a path between communication equipment, involving detection of missing data, processing based on an intermediate performance parameter, and selecting a mode of processing that includes delaying retransmission requests until a countdown expires, allowing the intermediate equipment to retransmit data via a local mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If end-to-end encryption is implemented and cooperation between end equipment and intermediate equipment is reduced, then security of data transmission is improved, but performance of connection establishment and data retransmission deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of data transmissionVSAvoidperformance of connection establishment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the retransmission function into two parts: end-to-end retransmission for encrypted data and local retransmission at intermediate nodes for unencrypted control data. This allows security to be maintained for payload data while enabling performance optimization through local cooperation for control plane operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary role for intermediate nodes that can locally handle retransmission requests without breaking end-to-end encryption. The intermediate nodes act as mediators that can process retransmission for control data while leaving encrypted payload data to be handled end-to-end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If local retransmission mechanism is implemented by intermediate equipment, then retransmission speed is improved, but connection congestion increases due to competing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretransmission speedVSAvoidconnection throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection between end-to-end and local retransmission mechanisms based on real-time conditions. The system can adaptively choose which mechanism to use depending on network state, data type, and performance requirements, avoiding the rigidity of always using one approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of retransmission responsibility from fixed (either end-to-end or local) to variable, allowing the system to adjust which node performs retransmission based on intermediate performance parameters such as node capability, network conditions, and data characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If retransmission requests are sent immediately upon detecting missing data, then retransmission reliability is improved, but connection congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretransmission reliabilityVSAvoidconnection throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having intermediate nodes proactively send notifications about missing data before the sender equipment detects the loss. This allows the system to prepare for retransmission in advance and coordinate between local and end-to-end mechanisms, reducing the need for aggressive retransmission requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where intermediate nodes provide information about data loss conditions to both the sender and themselves. This feedback loop enables coordinated retransmission decisions that balance reliability requirements with network throughput conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250184042A1Method for managing a retransmission of data exchanged on a path established between a first communication equipment and a second communication equipment by way of a value of an intermediate performance parameter determined by an intermediate node belonging to said path

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 ORANGE SA

AI summary

A method for improving the cooperation between two communication equipments constituting the ends of a path having at least one intermediate equipment. End-to-end encryption systems are designed to be resistant to any attempts of surveillance or tampering, as no third party can decrypt or alter the data being communicated. This reduction in cooperation between the communication equipments located at the ends of the connection and the intermediate equipments negatively impacts the performance of a connection established on the communication path comprising intermediate equipments. The method for improving cooperation makes it possible to re-establish cooperation between communication equipments that constitute the ends of a connection with intermediate nodes by calculating an intermediate performance parameter.