Optimizing IEEE 802.11 for TCP/IP data transfer
First Claim
1. An apparatus for performing data packet transfers over a network, comprising:
- a network interface configured for communication over a network according to a layered communication protocol;
a media access communication (MAC) layer within said network interface; and
means for optimizing data transfers as controlled from within said MAC layer by formatting network packets and performing partial packet retransmissions, and/or the suppression of unnecessary packet acknowledgments.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described for increasing data transfer efficiency between networks. The invention being particularly well suited when establishing connectivity between wireless networks, such as based on IEEE 802 standards, and traditionally wired network protocols (often referred to as internet protocols), such as TCP/IP and UDP. The invention provides formatting of network packets and then processing of network packets according to one or more optimization processes. One optimization process comprises performing partial packet retransmissions to increase network efficiency, especially in high bit error rate networks such as wireless networks. Another optimization process comprises suppressing unnecessary packet acknowledgements, therein reducing burst traffic and saving substantial overhead in lossy networks. Additional aspects of the invention provide further benefits. The invention may be implemented within the MAC layer of a network interface, in particular within wireless network interfaces which are being increasingly utilized for both home and office short range interconnectivity.
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Citations
47 Claims
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1. An apparatus for performing data packet transfers over a network, comprising:
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a network interface configured for communication over a network according to a layered communication protocol;
a media access communication (MAC) layer within said network interface; and
means for optimizing data transfers as controlled from within said MAC layer by formatting network packets and performing partial packet retransmissions, and/or the suppression of unnecessary packet acknowledgments.
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2. An apparatus for performing data packet transfers over a network, comprising:
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a network interface configured for communication over a network according to a layered communication protocol;
a media access communication (MAC) layer within said network interface; and
at least one optimization process executing within said MAC layer and configured for formatting and processing network packets;
wherein said processing comprises (i) performing partial packet retransmission, and/or (ii) suppressing unnecessary packet acknowledgments. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of optimizing network data transfer, comprising:
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dividing a network packet frame into a plurality of data blocks;
partially retransmitting untransmitted data blocks in said plurality of data blocks corresponding to the network packet frame; and
suppressing portions of said plurality of data block transmit acknowledgments between a sending node and a receiving node by deleting transmit acknowledgments that do not deleteriously affect communication performance between said sending node and said receiving node. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A network data transfer optimization system for optimizing network packet communications between two-non-identical networks, the system comprising:
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a network packet data formatting unit configured for formatting network packets into frames for transmission from a first network to a second network;
a network packet retransmission unit configured for partially retransmitting unreceived data blocks in the network packets between said first network and said second network; and
a network packet suppression unit configured for deleting a number of unnecessary network acknowledgment packets corresponding to network packets transmitted between said first network and said second network to enable a network connection to said first network. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A wireless network, comprising:
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a first network having a first network transport protocol;
a second network having a second network transport protocol which differs from said first network transport protocol; and
a network data transfer optimization system coupled to a media access control layer of said second network and configured for optimizing data transfer between network nodes in said first network and said second network. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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Specification