Switch TCP Window Adjustment for Network Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The speed mismatch between servers and workstations in a network, combined with limited buffer sizes in switches, leads to data packet drops, resulting in poor throughput and significant costs when increasing buffer memory or requiring extensive software reconfiguration to adjust TCP window sizes.
Innovation Solution
A processor within the switch dynamically adjusts the TCP window size based on the connection speed of the workstation and the switch's buffer size, ensuring that the TCP window size is compatible with the available resources, thereby reducing the likelihood of packet drops and maintaining efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the TCP window size is increased to improve throughput, then the data transmission efficiency is improved, but the buffer size in the switch must be increased which increases the cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the TCP window size adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The window size is dynamically modified based on the actual buffer capacity and transmission conditions, allowing the system to optimize throughput while respecting the physical buffer limitations in the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of TCP window size to resolve the contradiction. By modifying this key parameter to match the actual buffer capacity and transmission speed, the system achieves optimal throughput without requiring excessive buffer memory, thus avoiding the cost increase.
2Reliability
If the buffer size is increased to prevent packet drops, then the reliability is improved, but the cost of the switch increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the TCP window size parameter to align with the actual buffer capacity. This prevents packet drops by ensuring that the window size does not exceed what the buffer can handle, thereby improving reliability without requiring costly increases in buffer memory or switch complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actual buffer capacity and transmission conditions are monitored, and the TCP window size is adjusted accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable packet delivery while avoiding unnecessary cost increases from over-provisioning buffer memory.
3Reliability
If the TCP window size is reduced to match the slower station speed, then the packet drops are reduced, but the throughput performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the TCP window size adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The window size is dynamically modified based on the actual buffer capacity and transmission conditions, allowing the system to optimize throughput while respecting the physical buffer limitations in the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of TCP window size to resolve the contradiction. By modifying this key parameter to match the actual buffer capacity and transmission speed, the system achieves optimal throughput without requiring excessive buffer memory, thus avoiding the cost increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reconfiguring a TCP window in a switch of a network system, where the size of the window is determined based on the operating speed of a work station to which data packets in the window are being sent and the size of the switch buffer. The algorithm includes establishing a connection between a server and the station, where the connection includes TCP data packets. The algorithm identifies a TCP window size requested by the station, and identifies the connection speed of the station in the switch. The algorithm then modifies the TCP window size of the connection if the identified TCP window size does not support the connection speed and the size of the buffer. The algorithm also changes the TCP check-sum based on the new TCP window size.