Transport Header Conversion for Network Routing Disruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network changes or network address translation (NAT) using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) can lead to packet loss or abrupt termination of communication between routing nodes, causing disruptions in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A routing method and device that modifies the transport protocol headers of packets to comply with a different protocol, such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP), without increasing packet size, to overcome communication disruptions and ensure delivery, using a routing device utility with components like a path checker, packet changer, and reconstructor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP protocol is used for reliable communication between routing nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but network changes or NAT can cause packet loss and abrupt termination of communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transport protocol parameter from TCP to UDP when network disruptions are detected. The routing device modifies the transport header of packets in the stream, changing the protocol type indicator to UDP, which allows packets to pass through network changes and NAT devices that block or terminate TCP connections, thus adapting to varying network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device acts as an intermediary between the source and destination routing nodes. It intercepts packets in the stream, detects communication disruptions, and modifies the transport protocol headers as they pass through the intermediate device. This intermediary function allows the system to maintain communication by translating between TCP and UDP protocols dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transport protocol headers are modified to comply with a different protocol, then adaptability to network disruptions is improved, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet modification process into distinct functional components: a path checker that detects disruptions, a packet modifier that changes transport headers, and a reconstructor that restores headers at the destination. This segmentation allows each component to handle a specific aspect of the complex modification task, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device performs self-service by automatically detecting communication disruptions and modifying packet headers without requiring external intervention or complex coordination. The device monitors its own network path and autonomously changes protocol headers when disruptions are detected, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If handshake packets with change information are forwarded to indicate protocol change, then communication continuity is improved, but additional overhead packets increase network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protocol change notification with the existing data stream by modifying the transport headers of packets already in the stream rather than sending separate handshake packets. The change information is embedded within the modified packet headers themselves, combining the data transmission function with the protocol change notification function, thus avoiding additional overhead traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sending complete handshake sequences to indicate protocol changes, the patent applies partial action by modifying only the necessary transport header fields of existing packets to convey protocol change information. This partial modification approach maintains communication continuity while minimizing the additional network traffic compared to full handshake protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
A routing method checks a network path selected for transmitting a stream of packets between a first routing node and a second routing node in a computer network. The stream of packets complies with a first transport protocol. The method forwards, from the first routing node toward the second routing node, a set of handshake packets. The set of handshake packets includes change information indicating a change in the transport protocol for a plurality of the packets in the stream. The method modifies the plurality of packets in the stream ("modified packets"). Specifically, the method modifies the first transport protocol header in the plurality of packets in the stream to have a second transport protocol header of a second transport protocol. This modification preferably does not increase the packet size of each of modified packets.