TCP Window Modification for Radio Network Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing TCP congestion control mechanisms are ineffective in radio access networks due to rapid changes in transport capacity, leading to network congestion and inefficient traffic flow, particularly in non-wireline segments like radio transport segments.

Innovation Solution

A TCP congestion control mechanism that filters packets in real-time to modify the TCP window parameter based on queue state information in radio access networks, optimizing traffic flow by reducing the TCP window parameter when congestion is detected, implemented using hardware such as FPGAs or ASICs to process packets efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing TCP congestion control mechanisms are used in radio access networks, then wireline transport congestion can be managed, but rapid capacity changes in radio segments cannot be detected and responded to effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecongestion control effectivenessVSAvoiddetection and response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies TCP window fields in advance based on queue state information before packets are transmitted through the radio access network. By proactively adjusting the TCP window parameter according to predicted or current congestion conditions, the system prepares the flow control mechanism ahead of time, enabling faster response to capacity changes without waiting for traditional congestion detection signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that sits between the TCP protocol and the radio access network, modifying TCP window fields based on queue state information. This intermediary translates radio network congestion conditions into TCP-compatible control signals, bridging the gap between wireless and wired congestion control mechanisms and enabling effective congestion management in hybrid networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If TCP window parameter is modified based on queue state information, then traffic flow optimization is achieved, but additional processing complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic flow efficiencyVSAvoidpacket filtering and modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential queue state information needed for congestion control decisions, rather than processing complete packet contents or complex network states. By focusing on specific, relevant parameters (queue depth, congestion indicators), the system achieves effective traffic flow optimization with minimal processing overhead and reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies specific TCP window field parameters in packet headers based on queue state information. By changing only the necessary TCP control parameters rather than redesigning the entire protocol stack, the system achieves traffic flow optimization while maintaining compatibility with existing TCP infrastructure and minimizing processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If TCP congestion control is optimized for radio access networks, then rapid capacity changes can be managed, but compatibility with existing wireline TCP mechanisms may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to capacity changesVSAvoidTCP protocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal congestion control mechanism that operates effectively in both radio access networks and wireline environments. By modifying TCP window fields based on queue state information that reflects actual network conditions regardless of medium, the system provides adaptive congestion control that works across different transport types while maintaining standard TCP protocol behavior and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8989008B2Wirespeed TCP packet window field modification for networks having radio segments
Publication Date: 2015.03.24 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US8989008B2 patent drawing
  • US8989008B2 patent drawing
  • US8989008B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The transmission Control Protocol (TCP) may be optimized for a cellular network having a radio segment. A network device may receive state information relating to processing of traffic at a radio interface in a cellular network and receive packets transmitted by user equipment (UE). Based on the state information, the network device may modify a TCP window field of the received packets based on the state information. The network device may forward the modified version of the packets towards a destination indicated by a destination address field of the packets.