TCP Flow Traffic Regulation via ECN Bit and PID Control

The patent introduces an Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) bit as an intermediary signal between sender and receiver. Instead of directly dropping packets to indicate congestion, the network uses ECN bits to notify senders of congestion conditions, allowing them to adjust transmission rates proactively without packet loss. This mediator approach maintains reliability while avoiding the severe efficiency penalty of traditional packet dropping.

The patent implements proactive congestion control by setting ECN bits before actual packet loss occurs. The system monitors network conditions and notifies senders in advance of congestion, allowing them to reduce transmission rates before the network becomes overloaded. This preliminary action prevents the need for reactive packet dropping and maintains higher transmission efficiency.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ECN bits provide real-time information about network congestion conditions to senders. This continuous feedback allows senders to dynamically adjust their transmission rates based on actual network state rather than reacting only to packet loss. The feedback loop maintains network stability while enabling more efficient rate adaptation compared to traditional timeout-based approaches.

The patent replaces the mechanical packet dropping mechanism with an information-based ECN notification system. Instead of physically removing packets from the network to signal congestion, the system substitutes this with electronic signaling through ECN bits. This substitution maintains the stabilizing function of congestion control while eliminating the severe efficiency penalty associated with actual packet loss and retransmission.