Transfer Apparatus for Simultaneous TCP and UDP Data Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods cannot appropriately transfer data on a transport layer from a single source to sinks with different communication requirements, as they require separate sources for high-quality and real-time video distribution using TCP and UDP protocols respectively.

Innovation Solution

A transfer apparatus and method that includes a reception unit for receiving TCP packets, a storage unit for buffering data based on TCP sequence numbers, and separate transfer units for forwarding packets to sinks requesting TCP or UDP protocols, allowing data to be transferred efficiently to sinks with varying communication needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate sources are used for TCP-based distribution and UDP-based distribution, then high-quality video and real-time stream video can be distributed to respective sinks, but the system complexity increases and multiple sources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to serve different communication requirementsVSAvoidnumber of sources required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives TCP packets, buffers data based on sequence numbers, transfers data to TCP sinks requiring high-quality video, and simultaneously transfers data to UDP sinks requiring real-time stream video. This single apparatus replaces what would traditionally require separate source systems for each protocol type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer apparatus acts as an intermediary between the TCP source and multiple sinks with different communication requirements. It receives data via TCP, manages buffering and sequence number tracking, then distributes data appropriately to TCP sinks and UDP sinks, eliminating the need for separate source systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If TCP-based distribution is used for high-quality video, then video quality without noise is achieved, but real-time performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo quality without noiseVSAvoidreal-time performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the data distribution path into two separate channels: one for TCP sinks that requires high reliability and quality, and another for UDP sinks that requires real-time performance. The transfer apparatus buffers incoming TCP data and selectively forwards to appropriate sinks based on their communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality characteristics are provided to different sinks based on their specific requirements. TCP sinks receive data with full error correction and retransmission guarantees for high quality, while UDP sinks receive data with minimal processing for real-time performance. Each sink receives data optimized for its specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If UDP-based distribution is used for real-time stream video, then simple processing with less delay is achieved, but reliability and video quality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time performanceVSAvoidvideo quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus performs preliminary buffering and data organization before forwarding to UDP sinks. By pre-processing and buffering data in sequence order, it prepares data in advance for real-time transmission, reducing the need for complex real-time error handling at the UDP sink.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If a single source is used for both TCP and UDP distribution, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet different communication requirements is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sourcesVSAvoidcapability to serve different communication requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer apparatus changes data parameters (buffering duration, sequence number tracking, transmission timing) based on the destination sink's communication requirements. It dynamically adjusts data handling parameters to meet either TCP reliability requirements or UDP real-time requirements as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11172053B2Transfer apparatus, transfer method, and program for transporting data from a single source to sinks with different communication requirements

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

In one aspect of the present invention, a transfer apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a packet from a source which distributes data according to a transmission control protocol (TCP); a storage unit configured to store data included in the received packet in a buffer based on a TCP sequence number of the received packet; a TCP transfer unit configured to transfer the received packet to a first sink which requests distribution according to the TCP; and a UDP transfer unit configured to read the data from the buffer and transfer the read data to a second sink which requests distribution according to a user datagram protocol (UDP).