Network layer error control systems and methods
AssigneeViaSat, Inc.
InventorAnil Agarwal
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for novel error detection and retransmission processes are described. These processes may be implemented on intermediate communication links between two end terminals, wherein the intermediate links are via satellite. Error control mechanisms to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted frames may be implemented at the network layer, or between the network and data link layers. Processes for discovering error control protocol-aware terminals are described. Features of these error control processes may include a configurable delay limit, tailored to traffic type or class.
Claims25
A system for network layer error control for communications via satellite, the system comprising:
- a first terminal configured to:
- receive a first data packet from an initiating terminal, the first data packet destined for an end terminal via a second terminal;
- generate an error control header for the first data packet;
- and
- encapsulate the error control header for transmission at the network layer appended to the first data packet;
- the second terminal, in communication with the first terminal via the satellite, and configured to:
- receive the error control header appended to the first data packet;
- process the error control header to analyze error control information;
- and
- generate a second data packet with acknowledgement information for transmission to the first terminal in response to the received error control header.
A method of network layer error control for communications links, the method comprising:
- processing a first data packet destined for an end terminal via an intermediate terminal;
- generating a first error control header for the first data packet;
- encapsulating the first error control header for transmission at the network layer appended to the first data packet;
- and
- receiving a second data packet appended to a second error control header transmitted from the intermediate terminal in response to the first error control header, the second error control header encapsulated for transmission at the network layer and comprising acknowledgement information for the first data packet.
A terminal for implementing network layer error control for communications links, the terminal comprising:
- a routing unit configured to:
- identify a first data packet destined for transmission to an end terminal via an intermediate terminal, the intermediate terminal configured to process an error control header encapsulated at the network layer;
- and
- direct processing of the first data packet to an ARQ unit based at least in part on the identification;
- the ARQ unit, communicatively coupled with the routing unit, and configured to generate a first error control header for the first data packet;
- an encapsulation unit, communicatively coupled with the ARQ unit, and configured to encapsulate the first error control header for transmission at the network layer appended to the first data packet;
- and
- a transmitter unit, communicatively coupled with the encapsulation unit, and configured to transmit the first error control header at the network layer appended to the first data packet.
A method of network layer error control for communications links, the method comprising:
- receiving a first data packet appended to a first error control header, the first error control header encapsulated at the network layer;
- analyzing error control information in the first error control header;
- generating a second error control header comprising acknowledgement information in response to the analyzed error control information;
- and
- encapsulating the second error control header for transmission at the network layer appended to a second data packet.
A terminal for implementing network layer error control for communications links, the method comprising:
- a routing unit configured to:
- identify a first error control header encapsulated at the network layer and appended to a first data packet, the first data packet received from an initiating terminal via an intermediate terminal configured to encapsulate and transmit the first error control header at the network layer;
- and
- direct processing of the first error control header to an ARQ unit based at least in part on the identification;
- the ARQ unit, communicatively coupled with the routing unit, and configured to:
- analyze error control information in the first error control header;
- generate a second error control header comprising acknowledgement information in response to the analyzed error control information;
- an encapsulation unit, communicatively coupled with the ARQ unit, and configured to encapsulate the second error control header for transmission at the network layer appended to a second data packet;
- and
- a transmitter unit, communicatively coupled with the encapsulation unit, and configured to transmit the second error control header at the network layer appended to the first data packet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.