TCP Delayed ACK Triggers for Low-Throughput Device Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing TCP acknowledgment-based protocols result in prolonged ACK response times, particularly in low throughput devices like IoT devices, leading to inefficient power consumption and reduced battery life due to prolonged transmission bursts and idle states.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a delayed ACK protocol where the sending node triggers the receiving node to send an ACK packet by sending dummy or duplicate packets or splitting data packets to achieve an even number, thereby reducing the ACK response time and enabling power-saving modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If TCP acknowledgment-based protocols are used with delayed ACK, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but ACK response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidACK response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by sending a trigger packet before the receiving node would naturally timeout, thereby proactively initiating the ACK response. The trigger packet is sent in advance to ensure the receiving node generates an ACK before its internal timeout expires, thus reducing the effective ACK response time while maintaining delayed ACK benefits for bandwidth efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring the ACK response time and dynamically adjusting the trigger packet transmission timing. The sending node observes whether ACKs are received within expected timeframes and modifies its trigger packet sending behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both bandwidth utilization and response time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If transmission bursts are prolonged to send more data packets, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by structuring data transmission in discrete bursts separated by idle periods. Instead of continuous transmission, the system sends concentrated bursts of data packets followed by periods where the transceiver can enter low-power sleep mode. This periodic pattern maintains high bandwidth utilization during active transmission while significantly reducing average power consumption during idle intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by sending trigger packets that proactively elicit ACK responses before transmission bursts end. This ensures proper protocol state synchronization and allows the sending node to confidently enter power-saving modes sooner, reducing the duration of high-power transmission states while maintaining protocol correctness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If delayed ACK protocol is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but ACK response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidACK response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary trigger packet mechanism that mediates between the delayed ACK protocol and the need for timely responses. The trigger packet acts as an intermediate signal that prompts the receiving node to send an ACK earlier than it would under pure delayed ACK timing, thus reducing response time while the receiving node still maintains its power-saving behavior by not sending ACKs for every single packet

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If transceiver remains active longer to ensure ACK receipt, then reliability is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveACK receipt guaranteeVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by sending trigger packets that proactively ensure ACK responses are generated before the sending node would timeout. This preliminary triggering mechanism provides reliability guarantees for ACK receipt without requiring the transceiver to remain active for extended periods, as the trigger packet ensures the ACK is already in flight or received by the time power-saving modes are entered

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring ACK receipt status and using this information to control power mode transitions. The system only enters deep power-saving modes after confirming ACKs have been received or trigger packets have been sent, creating a feedback-based power management strategy that maintains reliability while extending battery life through optimized sleep scheduling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12445254B2TCP power optimization protocol for connected and low throughput devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A method includes determining to send a data packet from a first transceiver to a second transceiver, the data packet configured according to a TCP, determining, at the first transceiver, to trigger the second transceiver to send an ACK packet according to a delayed ACK protocol, sending, from the first transceiver, the data packet with an additional packet responsive to determining the triggering of the ACK packet, and receiving, at the first transceiver, the ACK packet from the second transceiver responsive to the additional packet.