TCP Proxy Traffic Control via Communication Distance Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

TCP proxies in cellular networks face challenges in quickly responding to changing traffic conditions due to their inherent inertia, which affects the management of data transmission between mobile communication terminals and hosts.

Innovation Solution

A method and TCP proxy system that dynamically adjust incoming traffic based on communication distance indicators, such as round trip time (RTT), by reducing or increasing traffic flow according to detected constrained or increased capacity situations on the radio side, with a focus on prioritizing near hosts for quicker response and resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If TCP proxies maintain TCP connections with fixed network traffic parameters, then network side stability is improved, but responsiveness to changing radio traffic conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork side stabilityVSAvoidresponsiveness to changing traffic conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the TCP proxy parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts TCP congestion control parameters (such as congestion window size, slow start threshold) based on real-time radio conditions detected through packet loss rates, round trip time variations, and throughput measurements. This allows the proxy to transition between maintaining stability and responding to changes, resolving the contradiction between fixed network side parameters and adaptive radio side requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the TCP proxy continuously monitors radio link quality metrics (packet loss, RTT, throughput) and uses this feedback to adjust TCP parameters. The system establishes feedback loops that detect degradation in radio conditions and respond by modifying congestion control behavior, thereby maintaining reliability while adapting to changing conditions through continuous observation and response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If TCP proxies use standard TCP congestion control parameters, then protocol compatibility is improved, but ability to react to quickly changing traffic conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidreaction speed to traffic conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively adjusting TCP parameters based on predictive indicators of radio condition changes. The system monitors leading indicators such as increasing RTT trends or rising packet loss rates and preemptively modifies congestion window parameters before severe degradation occurs. This allows the proxy to react faster to changing conditions while maintaining compatibility with standard TCP protocols through recognized parameter adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying TCP congestion control parameters (congestion window, slow start threshold, retransmission timeouts) based on measured radio conditions. The system changes these parameters in response to detected traffic patterns, enabling faster adaptation to radio conditions while maintaining interoperability with standard TCP implementations through conventional parameter names and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If TCP proxies reduce traffic for connections with large communication distance indicators, then network efficiency is improved, but loss of time for detecting and responding to traffic situations worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time to traffic situations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing differential traffic management based on communication distance indicators. The system identifies connections with large RTT values and applies specific traffic reduction strategies targeted at those connections, while maintaining normal operation for low-RTT connections. This localized approach improves overall network efficiency by focusing resource management on distant connections without introducing delays for nearby connections, thereby maintaining fast response times where applicable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3507957B1TCP proxy using a communication distance indicator
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3507957B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3507957B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3507957B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

It is provided a method for controlling traffic between a mobile communication terminal (2) and a plurality of hosts (15a-15c), the method being performed in a TCP, Transport Control Protocol, proxy (10) of a cellular network, the TCP proxy comprising a radio side (11) towards the mobile communication terminal, and a network side (12) towards the plurality of hosts. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a communication distance indicator for each TCP connection between the TCP proxy (10) and each one of the hosts (15a-15c); detecting a constrained traffic situation on the radio side (11) for traffic towards the mobile communication terminal; and reducing incoming traffic on the network side (12) based on the respective communication distance indicators, such that traffic is reduced relatively more for a TCP connection with a large communication distance indicator compared to a TCP connection with a small communication distance indicator.