Apple found to be using advanced Multipath TCP networking in iOS 7
After iOS 7 launched on Wednesday, it was discovered that Apple included a new networking protocol called Multipath TCP in the next-gen operating system, allowing devices like the iPhone to simultaneously use multiple interfaces such as cellular and Wi-Fi to transfer data.
Source: Olivier Bonaventure
As its name implies, Multipath TCP allows for a connected device, such as an iPhone or iPad, to transmit data over multiple pathways simultaneously. For example, the technology allows for compatible devices to transfer data over both 3G cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The discovery was made by Olivier Bonaventure, a computer science professor at the IP Networking Lab in Belgium, who subsequently posted the findings to his personal blog.
One of Multipath TCP's benefits over traditional TCP extensions is the protocol's ability to push data through the most efficient network, which leads to fewer dropouts. If one channel fails, another will take over.
Bonaventure explains that he made the discovery using an iPad running iOS 7. By monitoring packet traces, he was able to deduce that Multipath TCP was being used to connect to certain compatible Apple servers.
"You won?t see Multipath TCP for regular TCP connections from applications like Safari," Bonaventure writes, "but if you use SIRI, you might see that the connection with one of the apple servers runs uses Multipath TCP."
The technology comes from development rooted in a 2008 initiative funded by the European Commission called the Trilogy Project, though it has yet to see widespread adoption. It is thought that Apple's inclusion of Multipath TCP in iOS 7 is the first consumer product to ship with the technology.
Bonaventure had no guesses as to how Apple plans to implement the advanced protocol beyond its own servers, though it can be speculated that the company is looking for ways to make its iCloud-based services more reliable.
Source: Olivier Bonaventure
As its name implies, Multipath TCP allows for a connected device, such as an iPhone or iPad, to transmit data over multiple pathways simultaneously. For example, the technology allows for compatible devices to transfer data over both 3G cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The discovery was made by Olivier Bonaventure, a computer science professor at the IP Networking Lab in Belgium, who subsequently posted the findings to his personal blog.
One of Multipath TCP's benefits over traditional TCP extensions is the protocol's ability to push data through the most efficient network, which leads to fewer dropouts. If one channel fails, another will take over.
Bonaventure explains that he made the discovery using an iPad running iOS 7. By monitoring packet traces, he was able to deduce that Multipath TCP was being used to connect to certain compatible Apple servers.
"You won?t see Multipath TCP for regular TCP connections from applications like Safari," Bonaventure writes, "but if you use SIRI, you might see that the connection with one of the apple servers runs uses Multipath TCP."
The technology comes from development rooted in a 2008 initiative funded by the European Commission called the Trilogy Project, though it has yet to see widespread adoption. It is thought that Apple's inclusion of Multipath TCP in iOS 7 is the first consumer product to ship with the technology.
Bonaventure had no guesses as to how Apple plans to implement the advanced protocol beyond its own servers, though it can be speculated that the company is looking for ways to make its iCloud-based services more reliable.
Comments
Lotsa stuff under the hood. No company implements new tech better than Apple.
Watched Americas cup this am on an iPad 2 - no lags, nothing different than before the upgrade other than everything appears faster
Have to say I'm getting more comfortable with the iOS7 now. Still think it needs some tweaks here and there - white keyboard on light grey is fine at night but needs more a darker shade in daylight.
Overall pretty good.
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Acronym Definition
APSTNDP All People Seem To Need Data Processing (mnemonic for the 7 OSI reference model layers)
APSTNDP Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away (backwards mnemonic for the 7 OSI reference model layers)
APSTNDP Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical (OSI Reference Model layers)
APSTNDP Aliens Probably Stole the Ninja Dew Pop (mnemonic for the 7 OSI reference model layers)
APSTNDP All Pirate Ships Take No Darn Prisoners (mnemonic for the 7 OSI reference model layers)
APSTNDP A Purple Snake Takes No Dead Prisoners (mnemonic for the 7 OSI reference model layers)
APSTNDP A Powered-Down System Transmits No Data Packets (Open Systems Interconnection 7-Layer Reference Model mnemonic)
I'm not entirely sure this is a great idea for everything. It might be good for Siri which won't use up massive amounts of bandwidth. But I would hate if when I'm on WiFi it jumps to my limited data plan to download a youtube video because my WiFi is weak.
If I don't have a signal, then just say ooops cannot connect!
This is great feature I want for long time.
I always wanted to be connected to several wifi networks to optimize performance and reliability. Will this eventually solve this?
Oh absolutely. Read RFC 6824 & 6182
Oops, wrong button
See ^
no, no! this not innovation! Apple can no longer innovate - the analysts all say so. this is just ... fooling around. wifi never craps out! i say so!
And besides, Android has had this for years.
Then why does it always seems to be working so slow?
I keep having to disable cellular data to get things to go through.
And besides, Android has had this for years.
And besides, Android has had this for years.
Its only been a standard since 2013 so androids couldn't have had this for years.
Also The Group responsible for multipatch tcp states Specifically that SIRI uses it in ios 7
LOL. Also, the RFC is from March 2011 (yes yes, 'years' can be two). Perhaps Android can't be considered a consumer product¿
I note they now have both a Mobile and Carrier section in Settings, and with the lack of carrier customisation and built-in FaceTime calling, this says to me Dumb Pipes
Couldn't agree more about the keyboard.,, surely Apple must change it or give us the option to have bold black font on the keys as in iOS 6....