Scalable Reliable Datagram Protocol for Low-Latency Packet Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network protocols like TCP incur long delays due to waiting for out-of-order packets or re-transmissions, while UDP lacks reliability in ensuring delivery, ordering, and duplicate protection.
Innovation Solution
The Scalable Reliable Datagram (SRD) transport protocol is implemented, which allows for multiple paths to send packets in parallel, quickly detects and retransmits lost packets, and ensures reliable delivery with reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP is used to ensure reliable delivery, then delivery reliability is improved, but latency increases due to waiting for out-of-order packets or re-transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet transmission into multiple parallel paths (primary path and backup paths) rather than relying on a single sequential transmission path. This allows the system to send packets through multiple routes simultaneously, reducing waiting time for out-of-order packets while maintaining delivery reliability. The segmentation of transmission paths directly addresses the latency issue without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and switching mechanisms that allow the system to adapt to network conditions in real-time. When packet loss or congestion is detected, the system can dynamically switch to alternative paths or adjust transmission parameters. This dynamic behavior reduces latency by avoiding bottlenecks while maintaining reliable delivery through continuous adaptation to changing network states.
2Speed
If UDP is used to reduce latency, then speed is improved, but delivery reliability deteriorates due to lack of guarantee
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares backup transmission paths in advance and pre-configures error detection and correction mechanisms before packet transmission begins. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when network issues arise, the system can immediately switch to alternative paths or activate recovery mechanisms without waiting for failure detection, thereby maintaining both high speed and reliable delivery. The backup infrastructure is established beforehand to cushion against potential reliability failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor packet delivery status and network conditions in real-time. Receivers provide feedback about packet receipt and status, enabling senders to detect losses and trigger re-transmissions or path switching. This feedback loop maintains delivery reliability while preserving transmission speed by allowing parallel path utilization and avoiding unnecessary waiting for confirmations, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
3Reliability
If TCP retransmits lost packets to ensure delivery, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming re-transmission process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing multiple backup transmission paths and pre-configuring error recovery mechanisms before actual packet transmission occurs. When packet loss is detected, the system can immediately activate pre-prepared alternative paths without waiting for complex retransmission protocols to complete. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time required for recovery, thereby improving productivity while maintaining delivery reliability through proactive rather than reactive error handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous transmission by utilizing multiple parallel paths that operate simultaneously rather than sequentially. While one path experiences packet loss, other paths continue to carry data without interruption. This continuity of useful action eliminates the complete stop-and-retransmit cycle inherent in traditional TCP, thereby improving transmission efficiency and productivity while preserving delivery reliability through continuous data flow across multiple paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for improving network packet transmission performance in terms of latency with reduced packet retransmission times and fewer packet drops in congested networks are provided. Packet-switched networks can experience long delays while waiting for out-of-order packets or re-transmissions of lost packets. In addition, network faults such as transmission path failures can result in excessive delay while attempting to find a new route over which to transmit packets. To improve packet transmission performance, application data may be encapsulated into first network packets by a first transport protocol having an interface exposed to the application, in the first network packets may be encapsulated into second network packets according to a second transport protocol. The second transport protocol can enable the second network packets of a same packet flow to be transmitted across multiple paths over the network.