SNMP-Based Path MTU Discovery for UDP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the maximum datagram size supported without fragmentation in IP networks, particularly in 4G and 5G RANs, are inadequate for UDP-based protocols due to the lack of feedback mechanisms, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and capacity degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to determine the maximum datagram size by configuring one node as an SNMP Manager and another as an SNMP Agent, sending varying sized IP packets with the 'don't fragment' flag, and identifying the maximum size that receives a response without fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing Path MTU Discovery methods are used, then maximum datagram size can be determined, but bandwidth utilization is inefficient and capacity degradation occurs due to lack of feedback mechanisms in UDP-based protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using SNMP where the SNMP agent sends responses to the SNMP manager indicating whether datagrams of specific sizes were successfully received or fragmented. This feedback loop enables accurate Path MTU discovery for UDP-based protocols by allowing the manager to adjust datagram sizes based on the agent's responses about network path conditions.
2Productivity
If larger datagram sizes are used to improve bandwidth utilization, then capacity degradation occurs due to fragmentation, but smaller sizes avoid fragmentation and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses progressively larger datagram sizes in a sequence, starting from a baseline and incrementally testing larger sizes until fragmentation occurs. This partial action approach allows the system to find the optimal datagram size that maximizes bandwidth utilization without exceeding the Path MTU, thereby avoiding fragmentation while maintaining efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UDP-based protocols are used in 4G and 5G RANs, then communication flexibility is improved, but maximum datagram size determination becomes inadequate due to lack of feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SNMP as an intermediary mechanism that enables Path MTU discovery for UDP-based protocols. The SNMP manager and agent pair acts as a mediator that provides the feedback capability normally available only in TCP-based systems, allowing UDP communications in 4G and 5G RANs to accurately determine maximum datagram sizes despite UDP's lack of built-in feedback mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first node (110; 210; 212; 310; 1000) for determining an indication of a maximum datagram size supported without fragmentation in communication between the first node (110; 210; 212; 310; 1000) and a second node (111; 211; 210; 220) in an Internet Protocol, IP, network (100; 201; 201-202; 300). The first node (110; 210; 212; 310; 1000): sends (301; 901), to the second node (111; 211; 210; 220), request messages in varying sized IP packets using an application layer protocol over UDP and which datagrams are configured not to be fragmented; receives (302; 902) response messages from the second node, each indicating a received request message that the response message is in response to, was received by the second node (111; 211; 210; 220); identifies (303; 903) a request message for which there is a change in receipt of response message compared to another request message of said varying sized IP packets; determines (304; 904), based on said identification, an indication of the maximum datagram size supported without fragmentation.