Virtual Cut Through Communication Adapter MTU Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current store and forward protocols in computer communications systems are inefficient due to differences in I/O bus and network speeds, leading to suboptimal data transfer by dividing messages into maximum transfer units (MTUs) that may not align with both bus and network capabilities, resulting in increased latency and bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjusts the MTU size to transmit messages in sub-units, using a modified MTU for intermediate sub-units and a full path MTU for subsequent sub-units, allowing parallel transmission and optimizing data transfer by iteratively increasing the MTU until a limit is reached, thereby reducing latency and improving throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If store and forward protocol is used with fixed MTU, then data transfer reliability is maintained, but transmission latency increases and bandwidth utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MTU adjustment where the MTU size is not fixed but adapts based on the distance between communicating nodes and network conditions. The system calculates optimal MTU values dynamically and adjusts them during message transmission, allowing the communication system to optimize for speed when appropriate while maintaining reliability through adaptive parameter changes rather than static constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the MTU parameter based on communication distance and network conditions. By calculating the distance between nodes and determining the appropriate MTU size for that distance, the system can transmit larger units when appropriate, reducing the number of transmission cycles needed and thereby reducing overall latency while maintaining data integrity through parameter optimization
2Reliability
If message is divided into fixed MTUs, then data transfer reliability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to increased overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts MTU size based on communication distance and message size, allowing optimal bandwidth utilization. By calculating the appropriate MTU for each transmission scenario rather than using a fixed size, the system minimizes protocol overhead relative to actual data transmitted, thereby improving effective bandwidth utilization while maintaining the reliability benefits of structured data division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the MTU parameter adaptively based on network conditions and message characteristics. This allows the system to use larger MTU values when appropriate, reducing the proportion of overhead bytes relative to payload and thereby improving bandwidth efficiency while still maintaining data transfer reliability through structured transmission protocols
3Speed
If MTU size is increased for faster transmission, then transmission speed improves, but adaptability to different network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic MTU adjustment that adapts to different network conditions and communication distances. Rather than using a fixed large MTU that would improve speed but reduce adaptability, the system calculates the optimal MTU size for each specific transmission scenario, allowing it to achieve high speeds when conditions permit while maintaining versatility across diverse network environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting MTU size based on communication distance and network characteristics. This allows the system to optimize transmission speed for each specific condition while maintaining adaptability across different network scenarios, as the MTU parameter is modified according to actual transmission requirements rather than being fixed at a large value
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting a message includes a communication adapter receiving, from a transmitting device, a request to send the message. The method further includes modifying a maximum transfer unit (MTU) to obtain a modified MTU, transmitting, from the communication adapter to a receiving system, a first sub-unit of the message using the modified MTU, iteratively increasing the MTU for transmitting intermediate sub-units of the message until an MTU limit is reached, and transmitting, to the receiving system, the intermediate sub-units of the message. The intermediate sub-units are transmitted after the first sub-unit and before a second sub-unit. The method further includes transmitting, from the communication adapter to the receiving system, the second sub-unit to the receiving system using a full path MTU.