Source Port Adaptive Multi-Path Protocol for Cloud Video Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud networks face challenges in maintaining high reliability for video delivery due to hybrid traffic, asynchronous software updates, and node replacements, which can lead to packet loss and increased latency, unlike traditional on-premise video infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The Source port Adaptive Multi-path (SAM) protocol, a connectionless transport layer protocol riding on top of UDP, proactively reroutes packets experiencing loss by changing source ports and retrying unacknowledged packets over multiple network paths, ensuring reliable delivery and reducing unrecoverable packet loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cloud networks use hybrid traffic and shared infrastructure for scale, then network resource utilization improves, but reliability and packet delivery guarantee deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into multiple independent routes (Path 1, Path 2, Path 3) that can be selected dynamically. By dividing the single-path dependency into multiple path options, the system achieves both high resource utilization through shared infrastructure and reliable delivery through path diversity when packet loss occurs on any single path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter dynamically by switching between different source ports (Port 1, Port 2, Port 3) corresponding to different network paths. When packet loss is detected on one path, the system changes the source port parameter to route subsequent packets through alternative paths, maintaining delivery reliability while utilizing the shared cloud infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud networks implement software updates and node replacements for maintenance, then system adaptability improves, but packet loss and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes multiple pre-configured network paths with different source ports before maintenance events occur. When software updates or node replacements are needed, the system can immediately switch to a pre-established alternative path without interruption, allowing maintenance to proceed while maintaining packet delivery continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the multi-path routing layer with source port switching) that mediates between the network maintenance operations and the video traffic flow. This intermediary absorbs the disruption caused by updates and replacements by rerouting traffic through alternative paths, allowing maintenance to proceed without direct impact on service continuity
3Reliability
If traditional on-premise networks dedicate infrastructure to video delivery, then reliability improves, but network flexibility and resource sharing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cloud network infrastructure universal by enabling the same shared network resources to serve multiple purposes - carrying both video traffic and other hybrid traffic simultaneously. Through multi-path routing with source port switching, the system provides video delivery reliability comparable to dedicated infrastructure while maintaining the resource sharing and flexibility advantages of cloud networks
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for adapting source ports for traffic include generating a first packet with a header and a payload, the header including an indication of a first source port from which the first packet is to be transmitted. The first packet is transmitted to a receiver using the first source port and, upon not receiving an acknowledgment from the receiver, a second packet with second header and the same payload is generated. The second header includes an indication of a second, different source port from which the second packet is to be transmitted. The second packet is transmitted to the receiver using the second, different source port. An acknowledgment is received from the receiver for one of the first or second packets, and the acknowledgment includes an indication of the source port that sent the packet.