Web Server Bandwidth Classification via RTT Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing client-server architectures over TCP networks face performance issues due to data buffering delays, which impact network bandwidth and user experience, especially in connections with larger Round Trip Times (RTT) like modems or satellite networks, leading to inefficient data transfer and potential packet losses.
Innovation Solution
A web server classifies the network bandwidth of a web client in real-time by measuring the Round Trip Time (RTT) and setting an extended HTTP header (X-BW) to indicate 'HIGH' or 'LOW' bandwidth, allowing the web application to adjust responses accordingly, such as serving lighter content to reduce packet loss and improve user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data buffering is used in TCP connections, then data delivery reliability is improved, but network latency increases and transfer speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts buffering behavior based on real-time RTT measurements and network conditions. The system transitions from static buffering to dynamic buffering that adapts to changing network states, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and latency by adjusting buffer usage based on measured RTT values and packet loss patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of buffer size and buffering behavior based on network conditions. By measuring RTT and packet loss, the system adjusts buffering parameters dynamically - reducing buffering for low-latency connections and maintaining it for high-latency connections, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and latency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If standard TCP buffering is used, then connection stability is maintained, but transfer speed deteriorates due to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic transfer modes that switch between buffered and unbuffered operation based on real-time network measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain connection stability through selective buffering while maximizing transfer speed by using unbuffered mode when network conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the buffering parameter based on measured network characteristics. By monitoring RTT and packet loss, the system adjusts the buffering parameter to optimize transfer speed - using minimal buffering for fast connections and appropriate buffering for slower connections, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If heavier content is transferred, then information completeness is improved, but packet loss increases in low bandwidth networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only the necessary amount of content based on network conditions. For low-bandwidth networks, it transfers lighter content (partial action) to avoid packet loss, while for high-bandwidth networks, it transfers complete content (excessive action relative to need). This resolves the contradiction by adapting content volume to network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the content size parameter based on network bandwidth classification. By measuring RTT and determining network type, the server adjusts content volume - serving lighter content for low-bandwidth networks to maintain reliability and full content for high-bandwidth networks, thus resolving the contradiction between quantity and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If real-time bandwidth classification is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring RTT and packet loss, then using this information to classify network bandwidth and adjust content transfer. This closed-loop feedback system provides adaptability to different network conditions while keeping the complexity manageable through simple measurement and classification logic rather than complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring network characteristics and adjusting its behavior without external intervention. The server autonomously classifies network bandwidth and adapts content transfer, providing adaptability while minimizing the need for external configuration or complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides apparatuses, methods, and systems for classification of a web client's network bandwidth by a web server in real time over the Internet. The web server, based upon the round trip time (RTT) taken to establish the TCP connection with the web client, classifies the network bandwidth. The RTT for establishment of the TCP connection using a 3-way handshake is stored on the web server on most modern Operating Systems and can be fetched on demand by the web server for a given connection. A web application on the web server could then use this bandwidth classification to serve varied content to the web client, such as a light or heavy web page depending on the level of the bandwidth.