DE102018002787B4 - Network transmitter with an optimized listening timer - Google Patents

Abstract

Network transmitter NT, comprising: - a measuring unit (101) which is set to measure round trip times RTT (t), where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP sent by the network transmitter NT at a transmission time t over a cellular network operated by a cellular operator MNOi, it takes to arrive at a cellular receiver NR plus the amount of time it takes to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK sent from NR to NT after receiving DP from NR where i = 1, 2, ..., I, I ≥ 1, - a data storage unit (102) for storing and providing information that the mobile operator MNOi, which is used for transmitting DP to NR, the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNOi) and a listening time exceeded tLTO = tLTO (t, MNOi) = tLTO (RTT (t, MNOi)), where the stored cycle times RTT (t, MNOi) and the listening time exceeded tLTO = tLTO (t, MNOi ) = tLTO (RTT (t, MNOi)) based on v on subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP are updated, - a listening timer LT (103), where LT is set to listen to the corresponding confirmation signal ACK within a time interval [t, tLTO], where tLTO = tLTO (RTT (t , MNOi)) is provided directly by the data memory or is calculated by a calculation unit on the basis of the corresponding measured round trip time RTT (t, MNOi) which is provided by the data memory, or if the data memory does not contain any information: tLTO (RTT (t, MNOi)) or RTT (t, MNOi)) for the tLTO actually used by the mobile operator MNOi, initially set to a given value tLTO, 0.

Description

area

The present invention relates to a network data transmitter of a mobile radio data network, the mobile radio data network comprising at least one network data transmitter and a network data receiver which are linked by wireless connections or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The network data transmitter further comprises a listening timer.

background

The listening timer (also called “response timer”) defines a time interval that begins at the point in time at which a signal / data packet was sent from the network transmitter to the network receiver. When the network receiver has received the signal / data packet, it sends an acknowledgment signal back to the network sender. The network sender assumes that the signal / data packet sent to the network receiver has been lost or has not been completely received by the receiver if the corresponding confirmation signal has not been received by the network sender within the time interval. In this case, the network transmitter resends the signal / data packet to the network receiver.

The listening timer plays an important role in the experience of users of the data network with regard to service delivery. In truth, the time interval of such a listening timer depends heavily on the performance of the data network that is actually used for the data connection between the network transmitter and a network receiver. The performance of usable data networks varies greatly from network (operator) to network (operator) and from country to country. It is assumed here that each network operator operates its own physical data network. In the case of fixed or conventionally determined time intervals of listening timers, such a service dependent on the network operator is not taken into account.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a network transmitter with an optimized listening timer that provides better overall performance in terms of signal / data transmission between the transmitter and a network receiver, particularly over a cellular data network.

From the EP 2 887 595 A1 a method for retransmitting data packets in a TCP network is known. The method described comprises the steps of: receiving a data packet comprising a TCP sequence number; Storing the sequence number; Determining a round trip time RTT for the received data packets in the event that a second data packet is received within the round trip time RTT, comparing the sequence number of the second data packet with the stored sequence number, and deleting the second data packet if the sequence numbers match.

Brief description

A network transmitter NT is provided, which comprises: a measuring unit which is set to measure round trip times RTT (t), where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP that is sent from the network transmitter NT to a Transmission time t is sent over a cellular network operated by a cellular operator MNO _i , required to arrive at a cellular receiver NR, plus the time required to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK, which is sent from NR to NT after DP was received from NR, where i = 1, 2, ..., I, I ≥ 1; a data storage unit for storing and providing information relating to the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used to transmit DP to NR, and the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and a listening timeout t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )), where the stored cycle times RTT (t, MNO _i ) and the listening time exceeded t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNOi)) updated on the basis of subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP; and a listening timer LT, where LT is set to listen to the corresponding confirmation signal ACK within a time interval [t, T _LTO ], where t _LTO = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) provided directly by or from the data memory a calculation unit is calculated on the basis of the corresponding measured cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ), which is provided by the data memory, or if the data memory contains no information: becomes t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) or RTT (t, MNO _i )) is initially set to a given value t _{LTO, 0} for the t _LTO actually used by the mobile radio operator MNO _i .

The cellular data network preferably relates to a cellular data network based on GSM, UMTS, LTE, etc. The data network is preferably part of the Internet of Things (IoT). The mobile radio data network is preferably an interactive system which is based on bidirectional signal / data communication. The network transmitter NT is preferably a back-end server in the data network. The mobile radio receiver NR is preferably located in a vehicle (e.g. car, bus, ship, train, ...). The cellular data network is preferably used for signal / data communication between the network transmitter and a Used fleet of vehicles. The signal / data packet sent from the network transmitter NT to the network receiver NR preferably represents commands for the vehicle.

The network transmitter NT enables its listening timer to be optimized, ie the determination of the listening timeout interval [t, t _LTO ] of its listening timer, which is determined as a function of actually measured cycle times RTT (t, MNO _i ) for the mobile operator MNO _{i actually used} . Various measurements are preferably carried out to determine the cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and the cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ) is determined as the median / mean value of the measured values. Furthermore, the specific round trip times RTT (t, MNO _i ) for different mobile radio operator MNO _i are stored in the data storage unit. Whenever a signal / data packet is to be sent over a network operated by a given mobile operator MNO _i , the listening time exceeding interval [t, t _LTO ] of the listening timer of the network transmitter NT is set to the respectively stored value of t _LTO . Therefore, differences with regard to the performance of different mobile signal / data networks (with regard to the round trip times RTT (t, MNO _i )) that are operated by different mobile radio operators MNO _i are taken into account. This leads to their faster and more efficient signal / data packet communication and leads to a better experience of a user, especially a user of the vehicle, in terms of service provision.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the round trip times RTT (t, MNO _i ) for a network operated by a mobile operator MNO _i are continuous, ie with each signal / data packet that is sent by the network transmitter NT, or within a given Time intervals determined. In this case, the information (s) that the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used to transmit from DP to NR and the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or one or more parameters depending on RTT (t, MNO _i ), e.g. B. a listening timeout t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNOi)), stored in the data storage unit, indicates or indicate, depending on the actual performance of the data network of the cellular network used and the corresponding mobile operator MNO _i continuously updated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the value t _{LTO, 0 is selected} from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or t _{LTO, 0} = 10 The value t _{LTO, 0} is preferably stored in the data storage unit, it being the output value for defining the interval [t, t _LTO = t _{LTO, 0} ] if there is no corresponding information / value determined based on measurements of RTT (t, MNO _i ) stored in the data storage unit.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, NT is set to retransmit the signal / data packet DP if the acknowledgment signal ACK from NT is not received within the time interval [t, t _LTO ].

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a calculation unit associated with the data storage unit and the listening timer LT is available, the calculation unit being set to use RTT _mean (MNO _i ) as the median of various of the most recent measurements of RTT ( t, MNO _i ) and / or to calculate t _LTO as a function of RTT _mean (MNO _i ), and to calculate RTT _mean (MNO _i ) and / or t _LTO for the listening timer LT and / or for storage to be provided in the data storage unit.

wobei x einer Zeit entspricht, die aus einem Intervall [1 s, 30 s], oder [5 s, 20 s], oder [5 s, 15 s] ausgewählt ist oder x = 10 s.Preferably, t _{LTO is} calculated according to the following: $${\text{t}}_{\text{LTO}}={\text{RTT}}_{\text{mean}}\left({\text{MNo}}_{\text{i}}\right)+\text{x}$$

where x corresponds to a time selected from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or x = 10 s.

The invention further comprises a method for operating a network transmitter NT, comprising the following steps: measuring round trip times RTT (t), where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP sent by the network transmitter NT at a transmission time t is sent over a cellular network operated by a cellular operator MNO _i , it takes to arrive at a cellular receiver NR plus the amount of time it takes to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK sent from NR to NT after DP received from NR, where i = 1, 2, ..., I, I ≥ 1; Storing information that the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used to transmit from DP to NR, the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and a listening timeout t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT ( t, MNO _i )) in a data storage unit, the stored cycle times RTT (t, MNO _i ) and the listening time exceeding t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) Are updated based on subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP; and listening to the corresponding confirmation signal ACK within a time interval [t, t _LTO ] by a listening timer LT, where t _LTO = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) directly from the Data memory provided or calculated by a calculation unit on the basis of the corresponding measured round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ), which is provided by the data memory, or if the data memory contains no information: t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) or RTT (t, MNO _i )) for the mobile radio operator MNO _i actually used, t _{LTO is} initially set to a given value t _{LTO, 0} .

In one embodiment of the present method, the value t _{LTO, 0 is selected} from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or t _{LTO, 0} = 10 s .

In another embodiment of the present method, NT is set to retransmit the signal / data packet DP if the acknowledgment signal ACK from NT is not received within the time interval [t, T _LTO ].

Yet another embodiment of the present method comprises: calculating RTT _mean (MNO _i ) as the median of various of the most recent measurements of RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or calculating t _LTO as a function of RTT _mean (MNO _i ) , and to provide RTT _mean (MNO _i ) and / or t _LTO for the listening timer LT and / or for storage in the data storage unit.

wobei x einer Zeit entspricht, die aus einem Intervall [1 s, 30 s], oder [5 s, 20 s], oder [5 s, 15 s] ausgewählt ist oder x = 10 s. Vorteile und bevorzugte Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens zeigen sich durch eine analoge Übertragung der Beschreibung des vorgeschlagenen Netzwerksenders NT und seiner Ausführungsformen. Weitere Anwendungsbereiche gehen aus der hier bereitgestellten Beschreibung hervor. Es versteht sich, dass die Beschreibung und spezifische Beispiele lediglich zum Zwecke der Veranschaulichung gedacht sind und den Umfang der vorliegenden Offenbarung nicht einschränken sollen.In yet another embodiment of the present method, t _{LTO is} calculated according to the following: $${\text{t}}_{\text{LTO}}={\text{RTT}}_{\text{mean}}\left({\text{MNo}}_{\text{i}}\right)+\text{x}$$

where x corresponds to a time which is selected from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or x = 10 s. Advantages and preferred embodiments of the method show through an analog transmission of the description of the proposed network transmitter NT and its embodiments. Further areas of application emerge from the description provided here. It is to be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure list

• 1 Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a network transmitter in accordance with the invention; and
• 2 Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the method according to the invention.

Detailed description

In relation to 1 a schematic view of a network transmitter NT according to the invention is shown. The network transmitter NT is integrated into a back-end server operated by a service company that provides signal / data packet communication between the back-end server and numerous mobile radio receivers NR that are integrated into numerous cars in a car fleet.

The network transmitter NT comprises a measuring unit 101 , which is set for measuring round trip times RTT (t), where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP, which is sent by the network transmitter NT at a transmission time t over a cellular network, which is provided by a cellular operator MNO _{i is} operated, it takes to arrive at a cellular radio receiver NR, plus the amount of time it takes to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK sent from NR to NT after DP has been received from NR, where i = 1, 2, ..., I, I ≥ 1.

The network transmitter NT further comprises a data storage unit 102 for storing and providing information that identifies the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used to transmit DP to NR, and the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or one or more parameters as a function of RTT (t, MNO _i ) , e.g. B. indicates a listening time exceeding t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )), whereby the stored cycle times RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or parameters are dependent on RTT ( t, MNO _i ) are updated on the basis of subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP.

The network transmitter NT also includes a listening timer LT 103 , where LT is set to listen to the corresponding acknowledgment signal ACK within a time interval [t, T _LTO ], where t _LTO = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) provided directly from the data memory or from a calculation unit based on the corresponding measured round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) is calculated, which is provided by the data memory, or if the data memory contains no information: becomes t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) or RTT (t, MNO _i )) for the t _LTO actually used by the mobile radio operator MNO _i is initially set to a given value t _{LTO, 0} .

In relation to 2 is a schematic view of a method for operating a network transmitter NT according to the invention.

The procedure consists of the following steps. In one step 102 the measurement of round trip times RTT (t) is carried out, where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP that is sent by the network transmitter NT at a transmission time t over a cellular network operated by a cellular operator MNO _i is required to arrive at a cellular radio receiver NR, plus the amount of time it takes to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK sent from NR to NT after receiving DP from NR, where i = 1, 2, .. ., I, I ≥ 1.

In one step 202 the storage of information that the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used to transmit from DP to NR and the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or one or more parameters depending on RTT (t, MNOi), z . B. a listening time exceeding t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNOi) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )), indicates in a data storage unit 102 carried out, the stored round trip times RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or parameters are updated as a function of RTT (t, MNO _i ) on the basis of subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP.

In one step 203 the listening in relation to the corresponding confirmation signal ACK within a time interval [t, t _LTO ] by a listening timer LT ( 103 ), with t _LTO = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) provided directly by the data memory or calculated by a calculation unit on the basis of the corresponding measured cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ) provided by the data memory, or if the data memory does not contain any information: t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) or RTT (t, MNO _i )) for the mobile operator MNO _i actually used, t _{LTO is} initially set to a given value t _{LTO, 0} .

Claims (10)

Network transmitter NT, comprising: - a measuring unit (101) which is set to measure round trip times RTT (t), where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP sent by the network transmitter NT at a transmission time t is sent over a cellular network operated by a cellular operator MNO _i , required to arrive at a cellular receiver NR, plus the amount of time it takes to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK sent from NR to NT after DP from NR was received, where i = 1, 2, ..., I, I ≥ 1, - a data storage unit (102) for storing and providing information that the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used for transmitting DP to NR, the corresponding cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and a listening time exceeded t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )), where the stored cycle times RTT (t, MNO _i ) and the listening time exceeded t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (R TT (t, MNO _i )) are updated on the basis of subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP, - a listening timer LT (103), where LT is set to respond to the corresponding confirmation signal ACK within a time interval [t, t _LTO ] to listen, where t _LTO = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) is provided directly by the data memory or is calculated by a calculation unit on the basis of the corresponding measured cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ) provided by the data memory, or if the data memory contains no information: t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) or RTT (t, MNO _i )) for the t _LTO actually used by the mobile operator MNO _i is initially set to a given value t _{LTO, 0} . Network transmitter NT according to Claim 1 , where the value t _{LTO, 0 is selected} from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or t _{LTO, 0} = 10 s. Network transmitter NT according to Claim 1 or 2 , NT being set to retransmit the signal / data packet DP if the acknowledgment signal ACK from NT is not received within the time interval [t, t _LTO ]. Network transmitter NT after one of the Claims 1 until 3 , comprising a calculation unit linked to the data storage unit and the listening timer LT (103), the calculation unit being set to use RTT _mean (MNO _i ) as the median of various of the most recent measurements of RTT (t, MNO _i )) and / or to calculate t _LTO as a function of RTT _mean (MNO _i ), and to calculate RTT _mean (MNO _i ) and / or t _LTO for the listening timer LT and / or for storage in the data storage unit (102 ) to provide. Network transmitter NT according to Claim 4 , where t _{LTO is} calculated according to: $${\text{t}}_{\text{LTO}}={\text{RTT}}_{\text{mean}}\left({\text{MNo}}_{\text{i}}\right)+\text{x}$$

where x corresponds to a time selected from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or x = 10 s. Network transmitter NT after one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the cellular radio receiver NR is installed in a car, an aircraft, a train or a ship. A method for operating a network transmitter NT, comprising the following steps: - measuring (201) of round trip times RTT (t), where RTT (t) corresponds to the time span that a signal / data packet DP sent by the network transmitter NT at a transmission time t sent over a cellular network operated by a cellular operator MNO _i is required to arrive at a cellular radio receiver NR plus the amount of time it takes to receive an acknowledgment signal ACK sent from NR to NT after DP has been received from NR, where i = 1, 2, ..., I, I ≥ 1, - storage (202) of information which the mobile operator MNO _i , which is used to transmit from DP to NR, the corresponding round trip time RTT (t, MNO _i ) and a listening time exceeding T _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) in a data storage unit (102), the stored cycle times RTT (t, MNO _i ) and the listening time exceeding t _LTO = t _LTO (t, MNO _i ) = t _LTO (RTT (t, MNO _i )) are updated on the basis of subsequent transmissions of signal / data packets DP, - listening (203) with regard to the corresponding confirmation signal ACK within a Time interval [t, t _LTO ] by a listening timer LT (103), where t _LTO = t _LTO (RTT (t, M NO _i )) is provided directly by the data memory or is calculated by a calculation unit on the basis of the corresponding measured cycle time RTT (t, MNO _i ), which is provided by the data memory, or if the data memory contains no information: t _LTO (RTT (t , MNO _i )) or RTT (t, MNO _i )) for the mobile radio operator MNO _i actually used, t _{LTO is} initially set to a given value t _{LTO, 0} . Procedure according to Claim 7 , NT being set to retransmit the signal / data packet DP if the acknowledgment signal ACK from NT is not received within the time interval [t, t _LTO ]. Method according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th , comprising calculating RTT _mean (MNO _i ) as the median of various of the most recent measurements of RTT (t, MNO _i ) and / or calculating t _LTO as a function of RTT _mean (MNO _i ), and to obtain RTT _mean ( MNO _i ) and / or t _{LTO to be provided} for the listening timer LT and / or for storage in the data storage unit. Procedure according to Claim 9 , where t _{LTO is} calculated according to: $${\text{t}}_{\text{LTO}}={\text{RTT}}_{\text{mean}}\left({\text{MNo}}_{\text{i}}\right)+\text{x}$$

where x corresponds to a time selected from an interval [1 s, 30 s], or [5 s, 20 s], or [5 s, 15 s] or x = 10 s.

Images