TCP/IP Window Size Adjustment via Physical Layer Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication devices, data throughput is hindered by data stalls and inefficient transmission due to mismatched transmission parameters and buffer sizes between layers, particularly when faster higher layers encounter insufficient buffers or blockages in slower lower layers.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically adjusting the TCP/IP window size based on link quality and the number of transmission layers supported for spatial multiplexing, using a formula that considers Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) and Rank Indicator (RI) to optimize data transmission parameters, such as the TCP/IP window size, across the protocol layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed TCP window size is used in higher protocol layers, then the higher layer can maintain stable transmission parameters, but data stalls occur when there is a mismatch with the varying capacity of lower layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidtransmission parameter coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the TCP window size adjustable rather than fixed. The higher protocol layer dynamically changes the window size based on feedback from the lower layer's actual transmission capacity, allowing the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and prevent data stalls while maintaining operational stability through controlled adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the lower layer report its actual transmission capacity (buffer status, channel conditions) to the higher layer, which then uses this information to adjust the TCP window size accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the higher layer's transmission parameters match the lower layer's capabilities, resolving the mismatch problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the TCP window size is increased to improve data throughput, then more data can be transmitted in parallel, but data stalls occur when the lower layer buffer is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoiddata transmission continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback from the lower layer about buffer status and transmission capacity to dynamically adjust the TCP window size. When the lower layer buffer is insufficient, the feedback mechanism triggers a reduction in window size, preventing data stalls and maintaining transmission continuity while still allowing for larger windows when capacity permits, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the TCP window size parameter based on lower layer conditions. By adjusting this key transmission parameter dynamically rather than keeping it fixed, the system can optimize throughput when capacity allows while preventing stalls when buffers are insufficient, thereby maintaining both high productivity and transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2590381B1Data transmission method and mobile communication device for adjusting a TCP/IP window size based on physical layer characteristics
Publication Date: 2014.03.26 ACER INC
  • EP2590381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2590381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2590381B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile communication device (110) with a wireless module (111) and a controller module (112) is provided for improving data throughput by dynamically adjusting a window size of the TCP/IP communication protocol layer. The wireless module (111) performs wireless transceiving to and from a service network (120). The controller module (112) measures a link quality of the service network (120) associated with the physical layer (e.g. channel quality indicator-CQI) via the wireless module (111), and determines a number of transmission layers supported for spatial multiplexing (MIMO) associated with the physical layer (e.g. rank indcator-RI) . The controller module (112) then adjusts the TCP/IP window associated with the transport/network layer according to the link quality and the number of transmission layers associated with the physical layer.