Subscriber Buffer Control for Stable TCP, UDP, and QUIC Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing congestion control mechanisms for TCP and UDP traffic flows, such as New Reno and BBR, face limitations in managing network congestion, leading to fluctuating throughput and poor user Quality of Experience (QoE) due to overreaction to packet loss and inadequate RTT feedback.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that combines Bottleneck Bandwidth and Round-trip propagation time (BBR) with New Reno congestion mechanisms to determine congestion control parameters, incorporating subscriber buffer management and burst control, using weighted averages to optimize inflight bytes and buffer depth based on network conditions and operator preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional congestion control mechanisms (New Reno, BBR) are used, then network congestion is managed, but throughput fluctuates and user QoE deteriorates due to overreaction to packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines BBR and New Reno congestion control mechanisms into a unified system that processes both delay-based and loss-based parameters simultaneously. The congestion control module integrates BBR's bottleneck bandwidth and RTT measurements with New Reno's loss-based feedback, creating a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both mechanisms while mitigating their individual weaknesses regarding throughput stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts congestion control parameters based on real-time network conditions. The buffer management module modifies buffer depth and burst size parameters according to measured packet loss rates and RTT variations, enabling the system to adapt its behavior to current network state rather than relying on fixed parameters, thereby reducing unnecessary throughput fluctuations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If congestion control parameters are adjusted frequently to respond to packet loss, then network adaptation improves, but flip-flop behavior increases and throughput becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary buffer management by pre-establishing buffer depth and burst size parameters before congestion occurs. The buffer management module proactively adjusts these parameters based on predicted network conditions rather than reacting solely to actual packet loss events, smoothing out the response curve and preventing excessive oscillations in throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where packet loss measurements and RTT data are continuously monitored and fed back to the congestion control module. This feedback is processed through a weighted average calculation that balances recent packet loss information with historical data, creating a smoothed response that reduces flip-flop behavior while maintaining adaptability to genuine network changes.
3Reliability
If buffer depth is increased to reduce packet loss, then reliability improves, but network congestion worsens and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer management module dynamically adjusts buffer depth based on real-time congestion conditions rather than using a fixed large buffer size. When network congestion is detected through packet loss measurements, the system temporarily reduces buffer depth to prevent further congestion buildup. When network conditions improve, buffer depth is increased to maximize throughput, creating a dynamic balance between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes buffer depth as a variable parameter based on measured network conditions. The buffer management module calculates optimal buffer depth values by weighing packet loss rates against throughput requirements, adjusting the buffer parameter continuously rather than holding it static. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the trade-off between packet delivery reliability and overall throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for traffic flow acceleration including: retrieving a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC) traffic flow from the computer network; mapping the traffic flow to a subscriber; determining congestion control parameters associated with the traffic flow; determining subscriber buffer management parameters based on the subscriber and the congestion control parameters; and managing a buffer depth at a subscriber level based on the subscriber buffer management parameters. A system for traffic flow acceleration including: an analysis module configured to retrieve a TCP, UDP or QUIC traffic flow and map the traffic flow to a subscriber; a congestion control module configured to determine congestion control parameters associated with the traffic flow; and a buffer management module configured to determine subscriber buffer management parameters based on the subscriber and the congestion control parameters; and manage a buffer depth at a subscriber level.