What is MPTCP?
MultiPath TCP (MPTCP) is an extension of the traditional TCP protocol that allows multiple paths to be used simultaneously for a single connection. This improves redundancy, resilience, and can increase throughput by using multiple network interfaces.
Key Features
- Increased Resilience: MPTCP can maintain a connection even if one path fails by using alternative paths.
- Improved Throughput: By aggregating bandwidth across multiple paths, MPTCP can achieve higher data transfer rates.
- Seamless Handover: Devices can switch between different network interfaces (e.g., WiFi to cellular) without interrupting the connection.
Use Cases
MPTCP is useful in various scenarios, including:
- Mobile Devices: Enhances the performance and reliability of network connections by using both WiFi and cellular data simultaneously.
- Data Centers: Improves the efficiency of data transfer between servers by utilizing multiple network paths.
- IoT Devices: Increases the reliability of communication in devices with multiple connectivity options.
How MPTCP Works
MPTCP works by establishing multiple TCP subflows under a single MPTCP connection. Each subflow operates like a regular TCP connection, but the MPTCP layer manages the distribution of data across these subflows. If one subflow fails or degrades in performance, MPTCP can redistribute the traffic across the remaining subflows.
Conclusion
MPTCP is a powerful enhancement to the traditional TCP protocol, providing improved performance, reliability, and flexibility. As network demands continue to grow, MPTCP offers a robust solution to efficiently utilize multiple network paths.